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YMCA Activate America Family Walk

September 30, 2006

America On the Move launched a new partnership with the YMCA's Activate America initiative in September 2006 with the Steptember campaign, a month long celebration which encouraged all Americans to visit their local YMCAs and to participate in America On the Move programs. September 23-30 was designated as America on the Move Week at the YMCA, designed to motivate people to make small changes to their physical activity and healthy eating behaviors. In addition to walking, other activities like swimming, biking, tennis and aerobic dancing were converted into the equivalent number of steps. Participants tracked their daily activity, converted it into steps and kept a running total for the week.

The week’s activities motivated participants and led up to the YMCA Activate America Family Walk at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens on September 30, a free and open to the public event – so everyone could work toward the goal of reaching 1 billion steps across the country during the week!

Over 300 people participated in the warm-up and walk, visited health and fitness vendors, learned about YMCA membership and programs and enjoyed interactive youth activities.

Participants walk in memory of Paul Harris
Many of the Family Walk participants honored the memory of Paul Harris, the son of YMCA of South Hampton Roads CEO and President Chuck Harris, at the Activate America Family Walk by wearing ribbons of Paul's favorite color - green.

Being active was the focus of the Activate America Family Walk.

Children had fun learning how to stay active with activities like tumbling!

Youth also learned about playing sports like T-ball and Soccer to stay physically fit.

Several families got active together on the walk.

Many took advantage of the free health screenings available.

YMCA Fitness staff also offered free fitness assessments.

The older kids tried out their skills on The First Tee driving test range.

Everyone did their part to reach our goal of 1 billion steps nation-wide.

People of all ages came together to get active and stay healthy.

The real success of the day was seeing families get active together!

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads thanks the following sponsors for their generosity and community partners for their participation.

The YMCA is committed to providing programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. If you and
your family need financial assistance in paying fees for YMCA programs or membership, just ask! Download
an Open Doors financial assistance application.