Governor’s Fitness Awards

The Governor’s Fitness Awards serves as a platform for recognizing individuals, public officials and organizations that are committed to healthy living. Each award recognizes the many different ways the winners are inspiring and influencing Michigan residents to live a healthy lifestyle.

Gala Event

Thursday, April 26, 2012
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ford Field, Detroit
Reservations: $100 per person

In the health and fitness world, we urge every man, woman and child to “get moving” and we hope you will be moved to get involved with the 2012 Governor’s Fitness Awards. Please join Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and keynote speaker, Bobby Smith of En Garde Detroit in showcasing inspiring stories from communities throughout Michigan.

If you are interested in attending and celebrating the importance of healthy choices you can download an event invitation and reservation form here.

Help support the work of the Michigan Fitness Foundation in creating a healthier Michigan. Organizations interested in sponsoring the Governor’s Fitness Awards can contact Nathan Ohle at 517-908-3878 or nohle@michiganfitness.org. Sponsorship materials are also available online.

Join leaders from the corporate world; physical activity and public health community; public officials; nonprofit organizations in recognizing these inspiring individuals and organizations. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Michigan Fitness Foundation, supporting their mission to create a physically educated population with the knowledge and skills to enjoy a healthy, vigorous and safe lifestyle in communities designed to support physical activity.

Congratulations to the honorees of the Governor’s Fitness Awards, which elevates the amazing accomplishments of Michigan citizens and organizations to inspire better health and more active lives.

Honoring the Following Individuals and Organizations:

• EcoTrek Fitness
• Oakwood Red October Run
• Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority

• Accident Fund Holdings, Inc.
• Grand Rapids Community Foundation
• Henry Ford Health System

• Katrina I. Crawley
• Jordan Levin
• Kevin Summers

• Kimiko Adolph
• Pete Thomas
• Kimberly Warren

• Bill Barkeley
• Ian Wilson
• Misty Young

* overall winners from categories with more than one honoree will be announced the evening of the gala event.

EcoTrek Fitness takes using the great outdoors as your personal gym to heart and allows individuals to exercise while exploring the parks and trails near where they live. In 2006, Cari Draft created EcoTrek Fitness. Beginning with a few girlfriends, the company now caters to more than 1,000 clients a month. An "EcoTrek" is a fitness session lead by a trained and certified leader that takes groups of people on a 75-minute route that uses the natural terrain to promote strength, flexibility, weight loss, toning and overall wellness. Group sessions take place outdoors, in all kinds of weather, and in varying locations each time.

The company has 12 Series locations in cities across Michigan, as far north as Traverse City, as far south as Kalamazoo, west along Lake Michigan and as far east as Lansing - and continues to open new Series locations each year. The sessions allow people of all ages and fitness levels to stay physically active and become part of a motivating group. Each route is carefully planned and both natural and manmade elements are integrated into the workout. EcoTrek Fitness participants get to discover areas off the beaten path along with enjoying other benefits of becoming physically fit outdoors. With the new addition of the EcoTrek Fitness Whole Food Bar, the company continues expand and empower individuals across the state to get moving and enjoy the beautiful resources Michigan has to offer.

In 1991 the Oakwood Annapolis Hospital’s community health department launched the Oakwood Red October Run (OROR). Aligned with the corporation’s mission “to provide excellence in care, healing and health to individuals and communities” the annual event promotes health, wellness and active lifestyles by providing a quality opportunity for community members of all ages to participate.
Today’s Oakwood Healthcare System includes four hospitals, 65 outpatient sites and a rehabilitation skilled nursing center that serves residents in 35 communities across southeast Michigan. Not only committed to exceptional patient care, Oakwood offers outreach programs that address the overall health and well-being of its community members.

One of these programs is the OROR, a running and walking event highlighted by a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk and a free 1 mile “Jr. October” for children. Recently celebrating its 21st year, OROR received an all-time high registration of 1,286 runners and walkers. Collaboration with physicians, local safety personnel and community partners ensures a safe and informational experience for all who attend. Often characterized as a friendly, festive and engaging atmosphere, the event will continue to involve all members of the community in support of physical activity for years to come.

The Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority (SELCRA) was originally formed in 1992. SELCRA was officially established to “contribute and promote healthy lifestyles through the development and enhancement of the Brighton area, regardless of age, physical ability or economic position.” SELCRA acts as a recreation department for more than 50,000 Livingston County residents. As members of the community, the organization’s commitment is to ensure that recreation services are being offered at optimal levels to the entire community.

Excellent park and recreation services play a significant role throughout people’s lives and in the communities in which they live. For this reason, SELCRA’s programs and services encourage the community to lead healthier, more active lifestyles. SELCRA works to improve the health of the region by showcasing the benefits of physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits to individuals, families and the community at large. Through their quality of life programs and services, SELCRA promotes healthy and active lifestyle choices to a range of citizens of all ages and capabilities. Some of these programs include sports, community events, as well as programs for adults, seniors, youth and teens.

In addition to programs and services, the organization educates community members about health and wellness through a variety of other sources, including literature, social media, and presentations. The publication of SELCRA magazine three times annually delivers health and fitness information to more than 30,000 households in Livingston County. Additionally, SELCRA’s Michigan Recreation and Park Association Marketing-Design Award Winning website offers health and wellness education through editorials, videos and links to state and metropolitan partners. With their many services and programs, SELCRA continues to promote healthy and active lifestyles as well as increase the quality of life for its fellow community members.

SELCRA – “Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs.”

2011 SELCRA Community Highlights

ADMINISTRATION

• MRPA Web Design Award Winner
  
• MRPA Recreation Leadership Award Winner-Director Derek Smith
  
• New ActiveNet Website and Registration System
  
• Revised Articles of Incorporation adopted
  
• SELCRA Foundation Board Formed
  
• 2011-15 Multi-Jurisdictional Parks and Recreation Master Plan adopted
  

PARTNERS/SPONSORS

• SELCRA Foundation receives $10k grant from BP/Corrigan Oil
  
• DDA Partnership for Tridge or Treat and 3 new summer programs at Brighton Millpond
  
• $1,500 Cox Enterprises, LTD soccer ball sponsorship
  
• Dick’s Sporting Goods equipment donation $3,500
  
• SELCRA Golf Outing raises $6,500
  
• Green Oak Village Place partnership agreement of $15,000
  

PROGRAMS

• MRPA Programming Award—Frosty 5k
• First ever Family Camp Out at partnered Huron Clinton Metro Parks
  
• Increased Maltby After School Program and added Scranton School
  
• 2 Hershey Track and Field State Champs/National Finalists
  
• Largest British Soccer Camp In Michigan
  
• Summer Smash at Meijer Skate Park
  
• Tim Whalen Volunteer Coach of the Year
  
• 13,000 + community volunteer hours
  
• STAC – SELCRA Teen Advisory Council formed

The Grand Rapids Foundation was created in 1922 as the first community foundation in Michigan.  In 2000 to better reflect its community role and leadership model the organization officially changed its name to The Grand Rapids Community Foundation.  The foundation extends its mission to “build and manage our community's permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people” by offering a variety of health and wellness resources to its employees.

The Community Foundation provides employees with access to internal exercise equipment and encourages staff to increase physical activity through their TransPoints program.  Points earned from carpooling, biking, walking to work or during lunch breaks can be redeemed for local yoga classes, personal trainers, healthy snacks and exercise equipment.  Working in a fast paced environment, employees are provided with a variety of free wellness resources from monthly healthy chat sessions to stress reduction assistance with a focus on mental health and wellness.   Community Foundation members and their families can participate in the annual Camp Phil, a half day event designed to educate about philanthropy and embrace the importance of community health. The foundation is also dog friendly and employees may bring their dogs to work.

Beyond grants and funding to further serve the needs of the community, staff regularly volunteer with Kids Food Basket to pack nutritious meals for school children who would otherwise not has access to adequate meals in the evening or weekends.  In addition to efforts to create a welcoming and interconnected West Michigan community the Grand Rapids Community Foundation provides a work environment which encourages a healthy lifestyles and work-life balance for all employees.

The system includes the 1,200-member Henry Ford Medical Group, five hospitals, Health Alliance Plan (a health insurance and wellness company), Henry Ford Physician Network, a 150-site ambulatory network and many other health-related entities throughout southeast Michigan, providing a full continuum of care.

In 2011, Henry Ford provided nearly $210 million in uncompensated care. The health system also is a major economic driver in Michigan and employs more than 24,000. Henry Ford is a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. The health system is led by CEO, Nancy Schlichting. To learn more, visit HenryFord.com.

Henry Ford Health System includes the 1,200-member Henry Ford Medical Group, five hospitals, Health Alliance Plan (a health insurance and wellness company), Henry Ford Physician Network, a 150-site ambulatory network and many other health-related entities throughout southeast Michigan. In 2011, Henry Ford provided nearly $210 million in uncompensated care. The health system also is a major economic driver in Michigan.

In addition to the health system’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of Michigan’s diverse community, the organization offers numerous programs and services that support healthy lifestyles for their employees. From employee wellness programs, Henry Athletic League, “lunch and learn” presentations to the incorporation of health food vendors on campus, contributions to the workplace promotion of physical fitness and healthy living were

Katrina Crawley is the third youngest of eight children who learned how to speak up for what she wanted early in life. In elementary school she proclaimed that she would become an attorney, because she found herself defending classmates that were being mistreated. Hard work and a dedication to exceed expectations is how Katrina’s mother raised her children. Her mother’s motto was “you either volunteer in the community or get a job to help others.”

In 1997, after spending seven years as an associate attorney with the law firm of Clark Hill, PLC, Katrina opened a small boutique law firm that provides legal services in construction and commercial law, litigation support, and employment and labor law. Known as a community advocate Katrina has participated on boards with a strong social mission, such as providing quality affordable housing for developmentally delayed and mentally challenged adults, affordable housing for low income families, foreign missions work, and youth prevention and intervention services.

In 2000 after the birth of her premature daughter, Katrina’s passion shifted to advocating for and promoting healthy lifestyles among children. Empowering children ages 18 months to 12 years old (and their families) to “take ownership of their own good health” became Katrina’s focus. With a vision of creating healthy lifestyles for children, in 2003 Katrina founded JazzyKat, Inc., a nontraditional company where creativity and innovation meets science and education in the areas of childhood fitness, nutrition, and health & wellness promotion. As an advocate for healthy lifestyles Katrina provides activities focused on physical fitness, exercise and nutrition. Her mobile gym allows Katrina and her staff to take her exercise equipment to schools, child care facilities and communities, creating excitement around healthy living. With the overwhelming support from her community, in August of 2005 Katrina started JazzyKat Kids, Inc. a not-for-profit entity, which provides services and education resources to the community, free of charge. She also serves as the program director for a health and fitness inspired summer day camp that is held annually in Detroit.

To better reflect its mission of empowering children, in 2010 the health and wellness program began operating under the name Urban Fit Kids. On a daily basis Katrina lends herself as a resource to the community by dedicating countless hours reaching out to families, organizations, schools, faith based and medical communities in the greater Detroit area. Through her collaboration of Urban Fit Kids and JazzyKat Kids, Inc. her commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and inspiring others works to ensure the grassroots movement towards the health and wellness of our children.

The driving force behind Jordan’s movement to educate children on the importance of healthy lifestyles stems from his own childhood. Being born three months premature with a very low chance of survival, Jordan had to undergo numerous life threatening surgeries. At age two he was diagnosed as being profoundly deaf, yet despite his disability he learned to talk and went on to graduate from Michigan State University. His tremendous commitment serves as an inspiration for others as he was recently awarded the Outstanding MSU alumni award for students with a disability.

In 2009, with the goal of improving the lives of children, he founded the Jordan Levin Childhood Obesity Foundation. The mission of JLCOF is to raise awareness of the growing problem of childhood obesity through research and education. The foundation currently helps to assist overweight and obese children in accessing education, exercise and nutritional counseling. Through the JLCOF programs children who are currently overweight or obese complete a multi-disciplinary educational program that focuses on improving health through nutrition, exercise and behavior modification.
Always being involved in physical fitness has lead Jordan to open CrossFit Bloomfield, a specialized athletic facility where he currently works as a fitness coach. His ownership has allowed him to make a full time commitment to improve the quality of lives of children in his community. Jordan also works to fulfill his goals through motivational speaking, with which he hopes to continue to reach children with his message on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, combat childhood obesity and achieve their goals.

Kevin Summers can be found every Saturday from May through October at the Farmers Market in Manistee. As president of Manistee County Community Gardens and a Site Coordinator for the SEEDS After School program, he organizes the weekly Farmers Market and manages the Sophia Street Community Garden while providing opportunities for youth to meaningfully engage with those projects.

As an advocate for sustainability and healthy living he recognizes the potential for youth in Manistee County to learn the value of health and wellness through service learning. Kevin works with a variety of schools, community professionals, mental health organizations and Michigan Extension services to provide sustainable opportunities for youth facing social or economic hardships. Many of the local teens Kevin mentors through his community gardening and after school programs are facing mental illness or developmental disabilities. These organized opportunities allow the youth who participate to gain experience in community building and entrepreneurship, improve social skills and develop a positive self-image.

Along with the positive impact to local youth, Manistee residents also benefit from the fresh locally grown produce and beautiful gardens. Kevin’s support of the Manistee Farmers Market, community gardening and local youth connect the community by promoting healthy lifestyles and increasing access to locally grown produce in Manistee County.

Ten years ago after having her third child, Kimiko Adolph decided it was time to make a change. Struggling with obesity, dealing with high blood pressure and asthma prompted her to make a life changing decision. Unsure of where to start, Kimiko began walking and watching her food intake. Walking later turned into running, and she has completed a total of four marathons so far.

After losing 120 pounds, Kimiko loves exercising and setting new goals to accomplish. Her lifestyle changes include becoming a vegetarian, healthy snacking and plenty of physical activity. Kimiko hopes her lifestyle change will continue to inspire her co-workers and sons to make healthy choices.

In November 2005, Pete Thomas walked away from the finale of NBC’s The Biggest Loser a winner - and a loser. He won $100,000 for losing the most weight of all the contestants that season. What he lost was 185 pounds in only nine short months – most of which he lost at home after being “voted off” by the other contestants.

At his largest, Thomas tipped the scales at over 416lbs.  As a child, Pete never learned about nutrition and exercise due to his transient lifestyle – a result of his mother’s serious mental illness.  As a young child, he was left alone or with his younger sister— forced to find food wherever he could. Both Pete and his sister were put into foster care.

“Being on The Biggest Loser really saved my life,” Pete says. The knowledge he gained revolutionized the way he thinks, eats and exercises—so that now, over five years after being voted off the show, he maintains his weight-loss and he’s also creating other “Biggest Losers.” Since 2007, hundreds of individuals have lost thousands of combined pounds with Pete’s personally developed Lose It Fast Lose It Forever ™ Nutrition and Exercise program.

When companies want to invite a “Biggest Loser” contestant who possesses stellar motivational speaking skills, long-term weight-loss success, and in-depth knowledge in the science of nutrition and exercise, they call Pete Thomas—the one contestant whom the executive producers of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” refer to as Mr. Biggest Loser!”

Pete has appeared on ABC’s The View, The 700 Club, and eXtra as well as being featured in People Magazine, Runner’s World, TV Guide, inTouch Weekly, Real Health and commercials nationwide. In addition, Thomas has completed two full triathlons, one full marathon and several half-marathons since his time on The Biggest Loser.

A full-time motivational speaker, teacher, author, corporate wellness consultant and spokesperson for companies like NordicTrack and HealthPlus of Michigan, Pete now travels and spreads his ‘Winning Principles’ to organizations worldwide and via his website, www.PeteThomas.com.
To inquire about having Pete Thomas speak, email speaking@PeteThomas.com. For an interview with Pete Thomas, contact Anita Lane at

646.450.6214 or via email at Anita@PeteThomas.com
Shaping Winners in Wellness and Life!

Kimberly Warren had been overweight for most of her life before she realized that she didn’t have to spend the rest of her life that way. She admits that it was first scary and daunting to take control of her health, but says the struggle and effort have all been worth it. Finally in control of her health, Kimberly has lost over 100 pounds and has run countless races, from 5Ks and 10Ks to several half marathons and a full marathon.

Taking control of her health has changed Kimberly’s life significantly. She now sees exercise as fun and enjoys the benefits the activity brings. Last year she was proud to be chosen as a Fitness Ambassador for Mackinac Labor Day Bridge Run. Kimberly also loves to share her experience with others in hopes that it will empower them to take control of their lives as well. From blogging to inspire others to making time everyday for exercise, Kimberly is a true example of healthy living.

Bill Barkeley is no stranger to challenges. He is one of 100,000 people in the world with Usher’s Syndrome, a progressive disease that robs people of their hearing and vision over time. This does not stop Bill from sharing his life journey as he travels the world as a deaf-blind adventurer and public speaker. Disability or not, Bill builds on his adventuring and pioneering spirit to help others overcome the challenges in their own lives.

His groundbreaking 2007 climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa was covered both locally and internationally, inspiring people in the state of Michigan and across the globe. Inspiration was not Bill’s only goal, as a pioneer with assistive technologies for the hearing and vision impaired, the climb also served as a project to advance these endeavors. Bill is also active in community service, working with organizations such as No Barriers USA, an organization that seeks to show individuals that what's within you is stronger than what is in your way. He is also on the Board of Directors for Metro Health in Grand Rapids.

As a motivational speaker, Bill travels the globe as he focuses on sharing how to build a “Life Without Limits” with governments, corporations, schools and nonprofits. His adventurous projects also keep him busy. In 2011, Bill climbed Mount Quandary, competed in the Adventure Team Challenge and led his second Hear the World Expedition rafting the Grand Canyon with 17 hearing impaired and deaf teenagers.
This month he completed his first marathon in Boston as a project to thank the people at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary for their life changing work. Bill believes in many ways the disease is the best thing that has ever happened to him. His work helping others and paying it forward allows him to live a life rich beyond his wildest imagination.

A model of courage and perseverance, Ian Wilson has overcome physical challenges to lead an active lifestyle. After being hit by a car at 6 years old, doctors were unsure he would live. After months in the hospital, Ian was able to return to school after relearning how to walk, talk and eat. His accident caused him to undergo years of physical therapy, but that did not stop him from pursuing physical activity.

Ian chose to run cross country in high school. In school, he received the Gil Heard Courageous Athlete Award and the Robert L. Brisson Leadership Award. Now, Ian has a cross country courage award named after him at his high school. At school he ran to be a part of a team, but now Ian runs because he enjoys it and to keep his body healthy and strong. His infectious joy, positive attitude and dedication do not go unnoticed in the community. Ian’s commitment to physical activity despite adversity provides an inspiring motivation to all those around him.

As a single mother of two, Misty Young faces many challenges daily. In addition to taking care of her children, she also takes care of her aging parents. However, this did not stop Misty from making a commitment to her health. With the threat of diabetes and insulin use, realized she needed to take control of her health. She began walking at least 30 minutes a day, rain or shine. Now often she even walks twice a day. These changes allowed her to lose 30 pounds and gain more energy.

Misty’s ability to gain control of her diabetes and weight sets an example of dedication and health for her children. Her commitment has even inspired her physician, who uses Misty as an example to her other patients to help them understand the true value of simple lifestyle changes. With more confidence and energy, she is a prime example of the impact healthy living can make on your life.

A tireless promoter of healthy lifestyles, George Sedlacek’s commitment to health began before he started his public role. While attending Central Michigan University he volunteered his services, played football and became a health education intern with the Central Michigan District Health Department. After graduating with a degree in Public Health Education, George began his career as a health educator in 1979. He came to the Marquette County Health Department, where he later helped the department receive the Michigan Department of Public Health Director’s Award in 1984 and in 2005.

As an advocate for public health, George assisted with the writing of Michigan’s second smoke free workplace ordinance. His work continued twenty years later, when he helped Michigan to become the 38th state to go smoke free. George’s exceptional programming work has been recognized many times throughout his career and he has received the Governor’s Award for Physical Fitness and Health. “Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice” is the essence of his work in the community.  Removing the barriers to physical activity in the community by community coalition work is paying dividends:

• “Complete Street Resolutions” in the Cities of Ishpeming, Marquette and Marquette Township
  Assisted local municipalities in completing the Promoting Active Communities (PAC) assessment as well as pilot tested the NEAT assessment.
  
• Safer Routes to School Infrastructure Improvements in three area schools.  For the first time in 50 years, students and residents can get across the highway safely in the City of Ishpeming.
  
• Instrumental in the establishment of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail which connects 7 municipalities by non-motorized trail system
  
• Implemented the Yellow Bike and Blue Snowshoe program which provides free loan of bikes and snowshoes to area youth
  
• Three Schools now have “Hoop Houses” to grow their own vegetables and five community gardens are in low income areas.
  
• Conducted the world’s largest one day free fitness testing program for the past 20 years with Northern Michigan University
  

In addition to his public health career, George also sets an example for healthy living in his personal life. He repeatedly bikes to work and annually trains for and participates in the Diabetes Prevention Teal Lake 2.25 mile Swim. As an outstanding role model for healthy living, he continually advocates for, organizes and participates in many active events. His impact on the community’s health and overall well-being is beyond measure. George has been a leader in the public health area for over 30 years and continues to inspire students and colleagues to advocate for health choices.

Florine Mark’s commitment to improving the health of Michigan residents stems from personal experience and a desire to help as many people as possible. As Weight Watchers Group President and CEO, Florine has transformed the Michigan health care industry by introducing a safe and sustainable weight loss method. The method continues to be recognized as an industry leader and is routinely recommended to individuals by medical professionals across the state.

Florine was 50 pounds overweight when she attended her first Weight Watchers meeting in New York. With the help of the program, and a longing to live healthier, she lost the weight. It took more than one year, but she did it, and every day she renews her commitment to herself to keep it off.
Florine’s success with Weight Watchers inspired her to bring the program to Michigan, where she started her first franchise in 1966. The first meeting brought in 10 people, but through word-of-mouth and advertising, attendance grew and so did her business – to include 14 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. Today, she maintains franchises in Canada and her native state of Michigan, where her weight-loss message is delivered to about 40,000 Michiganders at over 600 weekly meetings.

Having maintained her weight for more than 40 years, Florine follows the Weight Watchers lifestyle, even while vacationing.
Like every other Weight Watchers member who has hit their lifetime goal, she weighs in monthly to stay on track. She also encourages her staff to live the program, so they too can better understand what other Weight Watchers members experience daily.

Additionally, Florine delivers inspiring messages through public speaking engagements. She also talks about the importance of health and fitness on her weekly television show and numerous radio shows. Through these modes, she continues to spread her message of healthy living to thousands of people each year. It is impossible to say how many people Florine has inspired to live healthier, but her belief continues to be “If I can help one person live a longer, more fulfilling life, I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.”

The 2011 Detroit Cass Tech Football team won the school’s first State Championship ever, beating the odds and making an improbable run through the playoffs.  The unexpected win served as a beacon of hope for the Detroit Public Schools. Higher than the state average Cass Tech has an annual 93% graduation rate, and requires that students maintain a 2.5 GPA for enrollment.  The football team finished the regular season with a record of 6-3, and made an improbable run through the playoffs, culminated with a 49-13 victory over powerhouse Detroit Catholic Central to bring the high school its Division 1 State Championship. 

Following their win, the team received a letter criticizing their victory.  Head Coach Thomas Wilcher went out of his way to represent good sportsmanship for his team and set the example to take the high road regardless of how others behave. We celebrate tonight not just the Detroit Cass Tech victory but the winning character and integrity that followed. Cass Tech’s victory lifted up the spirits of Detroit and the Detroit Public Schools, and serves as a catalyst for growth in Detroit. Cass Tech’s football team will be the Honorary Ambassadors of the All Children Exercise Simultaneously (ACES) program on May 2, 2012, helping to teach elementary school students about the value of exercise on a daily basis.