Walk Across Williamson

Published January 20, 2011

The following article was written by Williamson County Schools Health and Wellness Specialist Ken Brooks.

It's that time of year again!  Final preparations are being made for the fourth annual Walk Across Williamson and Williamson County Schools Activity Contest.  This year's event begins January 30 and runs through April 2.

Walk Across Williamson is a joint effort between the Williamson County and Franklin Special school systems, the Williamson County Health Department and the Williamson County Health Council.  Participants log their activity minutes on the days they are active during the months of February and March.  Last year, there were over 1,800 participants who logged almost 2.5 million activity minutes within the community and school teams.

The main objective is to provide an opportunity to get involved in a fun and healthy activity.  Those who participate in the activity contest side can earn health mini-grants for their school.  Last year, awards ranged from $100 to $1,600 in support of the WCS Coordinated School Health initiative.

On Saturday, April 9, there will be a celebration gathering at Liberty Elementary School in Franklin from 9 to 10 a.m. The celebration will include special guests, give-aways and drawings for prizes.  Adult participants who have met the weekly program goal will earn chances for the prize drawings.  Those who meet the overall goal of actually Walking Across Williamson during the nine weeks (a distance of 90 miles) will be eligible for an additional prize drawing.

Whether you are a student, a parent, a staff member or a community member there will be an option within either Walk Across Williamson or the Williamson County Schools Activity Contest that can fit your needs.  Details are available at http://www.wcs.edu/csh/wxw.htm or contact Ken Brooks at kenb@wcs.edu.

In the spirit of Walk Across Williamson, let’s get the New Year started off on the right "foot" while staying on the "path" to wellness.