Among Prosper’s most ardent and tireless supporters of health and fitness for all residents is Mayor Ray Smith, a standout college athlete who played Division I football, son of an NFL player, and, significantly, heart attack survivor.
“There is nothing more important than your health,” he said. “When I was asked about lending my name to the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge several years ago, I jumped at it. It’s a tremendous idea, and I am in full support of anyone and everyone who wants to participate.”
Now in its fifth year, the annual program, administered by the Parks and Recreation Department, challenges residents to either walk, jog, or run 100 miles, or accumulate 300 miles on a bicycle between January 18 and April 18. Tracking sheets, available at www.prospertx.gov, are provided for logging the miles. Each participant submitting a completed sheet at the end of the challenge will receive a commemorative T-shirt and be entered into a drawing for a Fitbit watch. Completed tracking sheets are due by April 23.
This year, the organizers have added a way to increase a participant’s chances of winning the raffle for the watch. Those posting a selfie on the Challenge’s Facebook event page with a Prosper park or trail sign in the background will earn a second entry in the drawing.
The annual challenge is designed to encourage residents to start the new year with attention to health and wellness. Challengers are encouraged to set personal goals that exceed the challenge’s limits and keep logging miles until the deadline.
Prosper playgrounds and facilities are cleaned regularly and guidelines are followed which exceed health and safety recommendations, according to Dudley Raymond, Director of Parks and Recreation.
“Prosper parks and facilities became increasingly important last year, as residents looked to outdoor options for both exercise and leisure,” said Raymond. “We encourage everyone to continue to enjoy the parks and trails as you log miles throughout the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge.”
Joining the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge is simple. Prosper residents should visit www.prospertx.gov and download a tracking sheet. Tracking sheets are also available at the Parks and Recreation Department office, 409 E. First Street. Then, log at least 100 miles walking, jogging, or running, or 300 miles biking on the tracking sheet between January 18 and April 18. Submit the completed tracking sheet by April 23 to www.prospertx.gov or turn it in to the Parks and Recreation office.
Updates on the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge will be placed on the Prosper Parks and Recreation Facebook page. More information can be obtained by contacting Trevor Helton, Recreation Supervisor, at thelton@prospertx.gov or by calling 972-569-1064.
