Finding fun ways to get active in Sacramento just got easier. Today, Mayor
Kevin Johnson joined Coca-Cola to unveil a substantial program to help
bolster the city’s health and fitness initiatives.
Totaling $192,500, the grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation to the
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) will be used by the City
of Sacramento’s Department of Parks and Recreation (SPDR). The grant
will help the city to marshal fitness resources for neighborhoods
through multiple initiatives
As part of the Coca-Cola Troops for Fitness program, the funding will
help to offer programs and classes instructed by 14 military veterans at
five recreation centers. The veterans will lead walking workouts,
gardening for health, heart-healthy dance, exercise boot camp, Taiji,
golf to good health, and healthy nutrition.
“Together with Mayor Johnson, we are making health and wellness programs
accessible to every Sacramentan,” said Rick Frazier, Chief Product
Supply and Service Officer, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “We believe this
initiative can create real results by encouraging and helping people of
all ages to exercise and learn to live a balanced lifestyle.”
Mayor Kevin Johnson said access to nutrition education and physical
activity programs in underserved neighborhoods is a high priority for
his office.
“This project will provide health and fitness resources across the city
of Sacramento. It will reach the communities that need it most while
providing employment opportunities for our nation’s heroes,” he said.
The parks programs are described as:
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Walk and Talk with a Vet
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Weekly walking workouts led by a veteran
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Gardening for Healthy Living
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A gardening course which teaches the easiest methods of growing
and cultivating fruits and vegetables.
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Dance Your Way to Heart Health
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Participants learn how dancing can be a fun form of exercise and
regular way to enjoy healthy living.
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Exercise Boot Camp
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Classes designed to improve heart health. Their purpose is to
strengthen and tone, getting participants more active and
energized.
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Taiji (Tai Chi)
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Tai Chi was originally created as a martial art. Practicing Tai
Chi can improve one’s health, reduce tension and reduce blood
pressure and heart problems.
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Nutrition
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A course that teaches which foods have the most nutritional
benefit and which foods should be eaten in moderation.
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Swing for Your Health
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Golf for a healthier lifestyle and wellbeing.
Coca-Cola Troops for Fitness helps demonstrate the commitment of The
Coca-Cola Foundation and The Coca-Cola Company to promote balanced
living. The program supports veteran employment and demonstrates how
partnering with local communities can have a meaningful impact.
Through a $3 million grant to NRPA, Coca-Cola Troops for Fitness will be
rolled out in 12 communities over the next three years. Sacramento will
join Chicago, San Antonio and Miami as the fourth 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 and Newark.
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 City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation
The City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation’s mission is to focus on the
development and implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan
as an element of the city’s general plan. The Parks and Recreation
department encourages individuals, business, and citizens groups to use
the parks and facilities available to them through events, general use,
and special projects.
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.
Copyright Business Wire 2013