The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Gov. Rick Perry has announced Texas Round-Up’s statewide search for the 2009 Fit Texan, Fit Family and Fit Kid. The Fit Texan Challenge encourages adults and children who have overcome health and weight challenges through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, to submit their personal success stories.

The 2009 Fit Texan winners will be recognized at the 6th annual Texas Round-Up race and fitness festival in April 24-25, 2009 in Austin.

“It is never too early or too late to begin taking steps to a healthier you and to commit to an improved quality of life,” Perry said. “The influx of success stories associated with the challenge is an inspiration to those looking to make positive changes in their lives, and I encourage all Texans to step up, get active, and get fit.”

“The Fit Texan challenge gives us the opportunity to reward Texans who have made positive changes to overcome health obstacles and are focused on living a healthy life,” said Texas Round-Up Executive Director Meredith Garcia. “We have witnessed several great transformations and want to acknowledge our fellow Texans for their hard work. Previous winners of these challenges have inspired other Texans who are struggling to live a healthy life and we expect to see the same outcome in 2009.”

In addition to being a Texas Round-Up spokesperson, Fit Texans will receive a VIP weekend to attend the Texas Round-Up 10K, 5K, Family Mile and fitness festival. Adults and children who have made healthy improvements are invited to enter the contest.

Deadline for entry is Feb. 28, 2009.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, an estimated 27 percent of Texas adults are obese, well above the national average of 24.4 percent, costing the state $3.3 billion in 2005. If current trends continue, an estimated 46.8 percent of adult Texans will be obese by the year 2025, costing the state $15.8 billion annually.

In 2004, Perry launched the Texas Round-Up statewide fitness initiative to motivate and encourage Texans to become more active and incorporate healthy choices into their daily lives. Today, Texas Round-Up is an independent not-for-profit organization working to improve the health of Texas through education and promotion of physical activity and healthy living.

For complete details, contest rules and offerings, please visit http://www.texasroundup.org.