It isn’t because the Magna folk are kind.
"It’s sabotage," acknowledged Magna Town Council President Starr Campbell. She and the Magna council challenged the Kearns folk to a fitness contest over the next year, and want to win so much that they are willing to tempt their adversaries with a few high-caloric treats.
"Sabotage is not only allowed, it’s encouraged," Campbell said.
It’s all in fun. And it’s part of an attempt not only to help council members in both communities be more healthy, but also to spur their residents to be more active and health-conscious, too.
Paula Larsen, chairwoman of the Kearns council, said the contest was inspired by Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon’s "Commit To Be Fit" challenge, where residents who sign a commitment to be more fit can win prizes. The county is tracking online which communities are participating the most.
"One day Starr and I were talking, and we thought it would be really fun to throw our councils under the bus and challenge them to compete against each other," Larsen said. "I went to my council, and they sort of groaned and said, ‘What have you volunteered us for now?’ "
Corroon is ecstatic about the example set by the two councils.
"I think it’s a great example for Magna and Kearns to set for the rest of our county. And may the fittest community win," he said. "We’d love it if other communities would join in."
The two councils will continually monitor their body fat and weight over the next year. The council that on average has the greatest loss of body fat and weight wins by becoming the biggest losers.
"I don’t know that we win anything but bragging rights. But maybe one will take the other out to dinner or something," Larsen said.
Campbell and Larsen said both councils are taking the challenge seriously and plan monthly health assessments. They are also doing such things as having seminars on health topics and seeking help from personal trainers. They also plan some community activities to try to get others to join in.
"The council will be out in the community actively walking and inviting people to walk with us," Campbell said. "There’s going to be seminars and a 5K race."
They also are planning occasional sabotage. The Magna council already sent licorice to a Kearns council meeting to try to spoil members’ healthy habits, and is planning to send doughnuts.
Larsen said Kearns plans retaliation, but she won’t give many details. She said it does plan to send granola bars to a Magna meeting, but seemed to hint that they might contain something besides healthy granola. "I’m not saying," she said.
Campbell said she sees nothing but benefits to the contest, and says it will help some members of her council who face serious health issues. "I know several of them have diabetes, and I know diabetes can be improved by exercise, diet, losing weight and getting healthier."
For original article visit: Kearns, Magna councils competing to be biggest losers
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