SACO -- Lighten ME!, Maine’s statewide team weight loss and get fit competition, begins on Monday, January 10. Teams of between two and 10 individuals will work together to support and assist their teammates in a quest to lose unwanted pounds, and to increase daily physical activity.
This is the second year for Lighten ME!, a program of the Maine Games. In 2004, 1,017 Mainers lost 7,910 pounds in just five months, and reported over a quarter of a million miles of walking, jogging, swimming, biking, and hiking.
Participants compete for Maine Games gold, silver, and bronze medals by making healthy food choices, and by increasing their daily activity. On average, in 2004, participants lost 7.7 pounds and logged nearly 3 miles of activity each day.
Teams typically consist of co-workers, family members, neighbors, and friends. Registration materials are available on the Lighten ME! website, and team captains can register online or by mail.
With team names like Itty-Bitty, the Northern Lites, and Just Drop It, hundreds of Mainers have already registered to become a part of this competition. For the $10 per person registration fee participants receive weekly newsletters with fitness tips, healthy lifestyle information, and even a recipe, courtesy of the University of Maine County Extension Department. In addition, teams who report their mid-way weight loss totals will receive Lighten ME! T-shirts.
Lighten ME! is a program under the Lighten Up America® umbrella organized by the National Congress of State Games. This year more than 25 state games are organizing such programs.
For more information about Lighten ME!, and the Maine Games, log on to their respective web pages: www.lightenme.org, and www.mainegames.org or call Jeff Scully at 207-284-2003.
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