Childhood obesity has become a major problem. Children continue to get increase as the years go by. According to the National Institutes of Health, (NIH) childhood overweight and obesity has reached epidemic proportions tripling between 1970 and 2004.
Children have gotten so overweight or obese that several concerned organizations like NFL PLAY 60 and Professional Athletes Against Childhood Obesity, (PACCO) are working with different entities and schools to fight childhood obesity.
At the recent Spring Hill ISD and White Oak race for a healthy life, the Panther stadium was filled to capacity with runners, supporters, students and their teachers; president of Kilgore College Dr. Bill Holda who is also a runner; Kilgore College Rangerettes, Kilgore College football team, the US Marines, Longview Regional Medical Center, Good Shepherd Medical Center, Balanced Diet, Longview Police officers, Longview Fire Department and many sponsors.
To boot, David Mims a retired Atlanta Falcons wide receiver from Daingerfield and founder of Professional Athletes Against Childhood Obesity invited other like minded NFL players to play a part in 5K for a Healthy Life. Malcolm Kelly, a former Redskin wide- receiver from Longview, DeMorrio Williams a linebacker with the San Diego Chargers from Beckville, Drew Coleman, a cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars from Henderson and Reginald Cottingham formerly of the New York Giants who does great work with children in the Dallas Metroplex came to show their support for the event.
Practically everyone in both Spring Hill ISD and White Oak ISDs, volunteers, Chairman Kay Doss, Panther Health and Wellness; David Mims and his non-profit company PACCO and the community at large made the event a success.
Superintendent Wes Jones had this to say: “It was an awesome event – gave the kids an opportunity to exercise and even meet celebrities.”
Mayor Jay Dean and the Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt were on hand to show their support. “This is a good thing – getting students, parents and the whole community to come out for a run and have fun at the same time.” Judge Stoudt said, “We are always appreciate it when people take the time to care for our students. We thank everyone for their contribution to this great event.”
Kay Doss, volunteer and speech pathologist and David Mims are grateful for the outcomes. They thank all the event participants as well as sponsors. A public invitation has already been issued for a bigger event next year. Doss said it best – “A fabulous event, great turnout, great people and perfect weather.”
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