Government

Gov. Perry launches 4th annual Texas Round-Up

Each participant who completes the online training program will receive a signed certificate from Gov. Perry

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

February 21, 2007

AUSTIN–Governor Rick Perry Feb. 14 kicked-off the 4th annual Texas Round-Up, a fitness challenge encouraging Texans to make exercise and healthy lifestyle choices part of their daily routine.

“The Texas Round-Up is a great way to motivate friends and family, and even ourselves, to get active and make healthier choices in our daily lives,” Perry said. “With the entire state of Texas as a running buddy, we can all reach our fitness goals.”

Since 2004, more than 54,000 Texans have participated in the Texas Round-Up. The program’s Web site offers an online training program for individuals to track their exercise progress, as well as access training tips and advice. Since last fall, individuals from around the state have competed in the “Fit Texan” contest, challenging themselves to change their unhealthy lifestyles and get in shape. The winner of the challenge will be announced at the final Texas Round-Up celebration in Austin.

This year, eighteen Round-Up affiliate cities are leading efforts to make the State of Texas the fittest in the nation. These cities are Bay City, Bevil Oaks, Dish, Dumas, El Paso, Euless, Georgetown, Grand Prairie, Houston, Northlake, Onalaska, Palestine, Pilot Point, Port Aransas, Roanoke, Slaton, Sugar Land and Temple. Several cities will hold fitness events in their local communities.

On Saturday, April 28, the Texas Round-Up celebration will finish with a fitness festival at the State Capitol. The festival encourages children and families to make fitness and nutrition a priority in their lives. Festivities include 5 and 10K competitive races, the family one-mile race, and a health and fitness expo. Each participant who completes the online training program will receive a signed certificate from Gov. Perry.

“Regardless of how busy we are, there are endless creative ways to work exercise into our daily routines,” said Perry. “Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or taking a walk with a friend after work instead of going to dinner are small ways everyone can improve their health. I encourage all Texans to find an easy way to incorporate exercise into their daily lives.”

An avid runner, Gov. Perry has made fitness and healthy lifestyles choices an important part of his healthcare initiatives. Too many Texans face serious health problems as a result of poor nutrition and lack of exercise. Complications from being obese cost the state billions of dollars each year from lost productivity and increased burden on the healthcare system.

For a complete list of Texas Round-Up affiliate cities and fitness events, please visit www.texasroundup.org.