The Californer - Governor's Fitness Awards Finalists Revealed

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Michigan State Capitol at Night by Pattrick Yockey

The annual Governor's Fitness Awards serve as a platform for recognizing people, communities, events, organizations, and companies of all sizes that are committed to pursuing healthy and balanced lifestyles across Michigan.

LANSING, Mich. - Californer -- Presented by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation, the Governor's Fitness Awards (GFA) recognize communities, organizations, and individuals who inspire people to eat healthy and move more. Nominations from Michiganders began last fall, and earlier this year GFA finalists were selected by a panel of judges from across the state.

The finalists are:

Charles T. Kuntzleman Accepting the Challenge Award

Caleb Conklin, Newaygo
Lottie Ferguson, Mount Morris
Jason Parks, Holland

Active Community Award

City of Kalamazoo
City of Mackinac Island
City of Traverse City

Director's Champion of Health Award

Regina Hardy, Detroit
JoAnn McCollum, Ypsilanti
Bob Wilson, Okemos

Extraordinary Organization Award

Operation Fit, Battle Creek
Project Healthy Schools – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Team GUTS, Ferndale

Heath Star Award

Amy DiStefano, Ira
Tameka Kelly, Redford
Matt Laura, Jackson

Healthy Workplace Award
Large Workplace

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Detroit
Lacks Enterprises, Inc, Kentwood
Spectrum Health Lakeland, St. Joseph

Medium Workplace

Bell's Brewery, Galesburg
Chem-Trend, Howell
Lansing Board of Water and Light, Lansing

Small Workplace

44North, Cadillac
Sturgis Fire and Police Departments, Sturgis
Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP), Marquette

Outstanding Event Award

Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games, Flint
Livonia Parkrun, Livonia
Meijer State Games of Michigan, Grand Rapids

Perennial Award

Brian and Dorie Barkey, Flint
Elizabeth Burt, Ann Arbor
Fred Price, Livonia

Vern Seefeldt Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom

Dr. Wisdom was appointed the nation's First State-level Surgeon General in 2003. In 2012, she was appointed by President Obama to serve on the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion and Integrative and Public Health. Since 1987, Dr. Wisdom has been on the faculty of University of Michigan (UM) Medical School's Department of Medical Education and adjunct professor in the UM School of Public Health. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Community Health & Equity, Chief Wellness & Diversity Officer for Henry Ford Health System where she focuses on health disparities/health care equity, infant mortality/maternal and child health, chronic disease, unintended pregnancy, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and tobacco use.

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"Each year, we look forward to introducing the GFA finalists to our fellow Michiganders," shares Amy Ghannam, President and CEO of Michigan Fitness Foundation. "By recognizing and sharing their extraordinary stories, they influence us all to have a renewed vigor to make healthier choices."

On April 23, Dr. Wisdom and GFA finalists will be recognized at a morning Legislative Reception at the State Capitol, and at an evening gala at the historic Gem Theatre in Downtown Detroit. The GFA gala is open to the public. Ticket proceeds from the gala support Michigan Fitness Foundation's mission to promote healthy eating, physical activity and more for millions of Michigan residents in every county throughout the year, including;

Statewide Nutrition and Physical Activity Education
Safe Routes to School
Pure Michigan Fitness Series
All Children Exercise Simultaneously Day (ACES Day)
Bike to School Day
Walk to School Day
Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run

Michigan Fitness Foundation supports and builds collaborative partnerships to improve the overall health of Michiganders where they live, learn, work, and play.

To learn more, purchase tickets or sponsor the awards, visit https://michiganfitness.org/events/governors-fitness-awards.