Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Results Are In: Culver/Judge Challenge Is Changing The Shape Of State Government
Record Lighten Up Iowa Participation Among State Employees
DES MOINES – Today, Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge released initial results following the first “check-in” for the Culver/Judge 100 Day Wellness Challenge. Targeted specifically for state employees, 236 teams performed more than 4,610 hours of physical activity and lost 2,131 pounds in the first twelve days of the challenge.
“These results are outstanding,” said Governor Culver. “The Lt. Governor and I are proud of all the program participants for taking up this challenge, and we encourage them to keep up the good work.”
Governor Culver issued the challenge to state employees during his “Condition of the State Address” earlier this month. A part of the Lighten Up Iowa program, the number of state employees participating in the Challenge nearly doubled following the Governor’s speech. To date, more than 18,000 state employees have signed up for Lighten Up Iowa, more than any other time in the program’s seven year history.
In addition, Lt. Governor Patty Judge announced the winner of the “Best Team Name” competition as Team “Mission Slimpossible.” Selected by a panel of individuals from outside state government, the winning team will receive a special prize from the Governor’s Office.
“Physical fitness doesn’t have to be a chore – it should be fun, and that is what we are doing with the Culver/Judge Challenge,” said Lt. Governor Judge. “This competition pits friends and co-workers against one another in an attempt to keep everyone focused on reaching their physical activity or weight loss goals. I encourage all state employees who haven’t already done so to sign up for the program while there is still time. Join with us in creating a healthier future for Iowa.”
Overall, the 29,000 Lighten Up Iowa participants across the state have logged more than 71,000 hours of physical activity, and lost 31,400 pounds since the program began on January 16th. Iowans are still able to join Lighten Up Iowa. To find out more, visit www.lightenupiowa.org.