Local residents are invited to come and “go walkin’” downtown this weekend as part of the first statewide “Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi” event.
“Let’s Go Walkin’ Down Main Street,” which is sponsored by Blue Cross-Blue Shield in partnership with Main Street Greenwood and the City of Greenwood, is just one of 50 events that will be held simultaneously Saturday morning in communities across the state.
“The purpose is to promote a healthy Mississippi and encourage people to walk in their downtown areas,” said Lise Foy, director of Main Street Greenwood.
Sign-up will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at City Hall, and Greenwood Mayor Sheriel Perkins will kick off the walk at 9 a.m.
The route is about one mile long and will take walkers through historic downtown Greenwood.
The first 50 people to finish the walk will receive a free “Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi” T-shirt, and all participants will be treated to free bottled water and energy drinks donated by Greenwood Market Place.
In addition, Greenwood Leflore Hospital will have a tent set up at the Main Street Station offering free blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and body mass index screenings from 8 to 10:30 a.m.
“Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi” is a community program designed to provide Mississippians with the information and resources to begin a regular walking program. Research shows that just 30 minutes of physical activity, such as walking, five days a week, can greatly improve health.
“The idea behind holding a simultaneous walking event across the state is to unite communities and demonstrate how simple and enjoyable it is to go walking regularly. We also want to highlight the downtown area and show how much it has to offer,” Foy said.
For more information, call 453-7625, send e-mail to mainstreetgreenwood@gmail.com or visit www.mainstreetgreenwood.com.
