Two dozen veterans will be hired to kick-off Coca-Cola Troops for
Fitness throughout Miami-Dade with a grant to the Parks Foundation of
Miami-Dade. Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez announced the more than $190,000
grant awarded by The Coca-Cola Foundation and managed by the National
Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and
Open Spaces will oversee the roll out of Coca-Cola Troops for Fitness, a
military-style fitness program led by U.S. military veterans.
“Coca-Cola Troops for Fitness supports our county’s 'Live a Park Life at
Miami-Dade Parks' initiative which is designed to help people get fit in
unconventional ways,” said Mayor Gimenez. “Together with Coca-Cola, NRPA
and the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, we’re going to be able to create
new and fun ways for thousands of our residents to get fit and
rediscover the joy of being active.”
In addition, the grant will support nutrition and physical activity
programs offered at the county’s 13 community centers. By the end of
2016, more than 5,000 Miami-Dade residents will have increased access to
health and wellness programs.
“Obesity is a complex issue that cannot be solved overnight. We must
work together with leaders like Mayor Gimenez and the Parks Foundation
of Miami-Dade to find workable solutions for a healthier community,”
said Sonya Soutus, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and
Communications, Coca-Cola North America Group. “Through Coca-Cola Troops
for Fitness, we are showing that getting fit can be fun for people of
all ages.”
Through a $3 million grant to NRPA, Coca-Cola Troops for Fitness will
roll out in 12 communities over the next three years. Miami-Dade County
will join Chicago and San Antonio as the third major U.S. metropolitan
area to implement Coca-Cola Troops for Fitness. Additional cities that
will activate Coca-Cola Troops for Fitness in 2013 include Atlanta,
Newark and Sacramento.
“Active living and nutrition are keys to good health,” said Miami-Dade
County District Commissioner Jean Monestime. “Hiring our nation’s heroes
to lead this health and wellness initiative is a win-win.”
Miami-Dade County’s Military Affairs Board, under the leadership of
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, will work to spread the
recruitment message. The Board serves as an advocate for active duty,
reserve, retired, disabled and deceased military personnel in Miami-Dade
County.
Among the first veterans hired is Laura Ortiz, an amputee and veteran
who served in the Army National Guard for eight years. Ortiz, who
received both Gold and Silver medals in U.S. Paralympic track events,
will serve as a fitness instructor. Ian Cummings, a U.S. Coast Guard
veteran who operates boot-camp style classes at Deerwood-Bonita Lakes
Park, will also be among the first hired.
“More and more, well-respected companies are keenly aware of the
economic, social and health benefits of investing in parks and parks
programming,” said Dick Anderson, President of the Parks Foundation of
Miami-Dade. “Thanks to Coca-Cola and NRPA, this opportunity will
directly impact the health and wellness of Miami-Dade residents and
enable our parks and recreation to continue providing leadership in
health and wellness.”
About The Coca-Cola Foundation
Since its inception, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded more than $500
million to support global sustainable community initiatives, including
water stewardship, community recycling, active, healthy living, and
education. For more information about The Coca-Cola Foundation, please
go to www.thecoca-colacompany.com/citizenship/foundation_coke.html.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national
not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and
conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people.
Through its network of 30,000 recreation and park professionals and
citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles,
recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural
resources. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org.
For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation,
visit www.parksandrecreation.org.
About The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade
The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization
that supports the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces
Department’s effort to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class
parks system for residents and visitors. Its mission is to create a
healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the
implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development
of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults
and people with disabilities.
About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces
Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold
Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence
Award and the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for excellence in
management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest
county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and
12,825 acres of land. It is one of the most unique park and recreation
systems in the world. Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic
fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and
summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities;
educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental
restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned
Zoo Miami, Deering Estate at Cutler and Fairchild Tropical Botanic
Garden; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Open; golf courses;
beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more. For information about
Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.
To request material in accessible format, information on access for
persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days
in advance), call 305-755-7848.
Copyright Business Wire 2013