| Harman
joins with other mayors
Cottonwood Mayor Pepper Harman has joined with 76 other mayors throughout Idaho in taking part with the High Five Initiative to help shine a light on the importance of children being physically active. The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is sponsoring the initiative. The mayors will participate in the Mayor’s Walking Challenge throughout October where each will try to average 10,000 steps a day to earn $1,000 for their community. Mayors who complete the challenge can us the funds to support school or community projects and programs that promote physical activity or the access to healthy foods. The challenge runs from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31. Physical activity and access to healthy foods are two key factors in keeping children healthy in a time when 25 percent of Idaho children are either overweight or obese. “Mayors are leaders in their communities, and when they advocate for something as important as being active, it sends a powerful message,” said Kendra Witt-Doyle, Executive Director, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. “We appreciate all of the mayors who participate and set great examples for their communities.” Mayors are encouraged, and rewarded with bonus steps, to visit schools and walk with children, reminding them how important it is to be physically active. State and local leaders have noted their favorite part of the challenge is walking and talking with students at school. Other local area mayors participating are Steve Bateman of Nezperce, Miriam Youngren of Winchester, Betty Heater of Kamiah, Ryan Smathers of Orofino, Trevor Sparrow of Pierce, Antonio Smith of Lapwai and Mike Collins of Lewiston. |
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