Clio Residents Log More Than 30,000 Miles in Blues Community Challenge
Taylar Kobylas
| 2 min read
Five teams of Clio, Michigan residents collectively logged 30,000 miles of physical activity this summer - more than enough miles to get you around the entire world. The best part? They never had to leave Michigan. The 2014 Everything Clio! Blues Community Challenge brought more than 250 individuals together through fitness, fun and positivity. As Clio is a hub of health care and resources for Genesee and Saginaw Counties, the challenge sought to integrate the counties under a mutual goal of improved wellness. Throughout the summer, Clio residents logged their miles of activity through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s online WalkingWorks™ program. Participants had the option to join one of five teams benefiting local organizations, including the Human Services Fund and Youth Sports Complex. The challenge has proven to have a lasting effect on many participants. Local families took up walking together for the event and have reported signing up for additional races like the Crim 10 mile and Warrior Dash in the future. Janet Mowl, who participated in the challenge along with her husband, Chris, was especially moved. She said that their weight loss has improved her self-esteem and the momentum started by the program is motivational. “You have set an example of a healthy lifestyle and you can be sure to know it has made a difference in our lives,” Mowl said. “We love to feel healthy and strong and confident and I can say thank you for helping me see a better person in the mirror.” A $6000 wellness grant from the Blues was distributed to each team participating in the event, with the higher performing teams taking home the larger share of the total. The top performing team, Clio Fire Fighters, averaged 213 miles per team member over the course of the challenge - nearly the entire width of Michigan! The team was honored last night by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Clio Regional Planning Board and the Clio Healthy Community Initiative. Photo credit: June Marie
