The City of Somerville and Union Square Main Streets announce the 4th annual “Mayor’s Fitness Challenge,” which will kick off with a celebration and Fitness Fair on Saturday, April 13 at the Somerville High School Field House, 81 Highland Ave.  The Fitness Challenge encourages community members to pledge to embody the Shape Up Somerville motto, “Eat Smart, Play Hard, Move More,” by making smarter food choices and increasing daily physical activity.  The kickoff event will be held at the Somerville High School Gymnasium from 11am – 3 pm on April 13th, and all members of the public are invited.  The Fitness Challenge will run through Thursday, June 20, with the winners to be announced at the City’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks on Thursday, June 27 at Trum Field.

The kickoff event will include fitness demonstrations by local studios, face painting, a “Silver Spoon Award” food challenge featuring food trucks serving healthy snack options, arts and crafts, recreational opportunities for kids and adults, and much more.  Individuals may participate in two ways 1) The Team Challenge.  Teams are made up of 10 individuals.  Each team competes with the goal of measuring a total team percentage of weight loss and BMI change. The team with the highest number of points earned will win a prize.  2) The Individual Challenge.  Participants will sign a “Health and Wellness Pledge,” setting up personal goal(s) that promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle changes. Those signing the Pledge or joining a team will receive incentives throughout the program.

This year, Shape Up Somerville also announces a new mascot, “Shape Up Sam!”  Follow Sam on Twitter, @ShapeUpSam, for Fitness Challenge updates, and general health and wellness information.

Fitness Challenge participants will receive incentives for attending fitness activities and/or City-sponsored events throughout the course of the program, including the Mayor’s Fitness Buck, which offers discounts to several area restaurants, businesses, and fitness programs.  Recreational and fitness programs will be offered at a discounted rate to Challenge participants on a trial basis.

For more information about the Fitness Challenge and its programs, please contact Director of Community Relations, Carlene Campbell-Hegarty, at 617-625-6600 ext. 2615, or ccampbell@somervillema.gov, visit www.somervillema.gov or www.facebook.com/MayorsFitnessChallenge.