Let's Get 1 Million Indigenous People Moving!

Contributed by: P.O.W.E.R.

Completed 6/2/07 with 154 participants

9^th Annual Youth Sobriety Run and Health Fair

By Jesse C., Gene M.

At the 9^th Annual Youth Sobriety Run and Health Fair, people of all ages participated in the 1-mile and the 5k walk/run.  Many American Indian Clubhouse (UAII After school youth program) teens, student council members, UAII staff, and community members participated at the sobriety run.

Best Features:
It took a lot of work to try and keep everything on schedule and have fun at the same time. Thirty-six gold medals were awarded to the race winners. Winners of the 1-mile and 5k run were both male and female of all ages, ranging from 5 years old to seniors. The medals were presented to the winners by some of the clubhouse youth and they were applauded for their efforts.

Creative Features:
In addition to the run, there was a mini-health fair. At the mini-health fair, members of the community were given the opportunity to learn more about UAII programs including the POWER Program as well as other services/programs available to them in the community such as Torres Martinez Tribal TANF, how to keep yourself healthy and stay fit, what to do when there is an earthquake or natural disaster, Lead Prevention LA, and the American Cancer Society.

Future Plans:
The next POWER Program opportunity for members of the community will be to take the virtual walk challenge by joining UAII’s walking club. This virtual challenge will begin in July 2007 and will complete when members of the club complete their virtual goal of completing over 4,500 miles (combined effort). Participants will be given pedometers and have them set according to their individual strides by Sherry L. White, Recruiter for the Healthy Roads: Diabetes Prevention Program. Additionally, participants will receive a notebook so that they can track their daily steps and mileage. Sherry, who started the walking club last September will monitor and lead the sessions. Interest and participation with this program continues to grow.