01/10/2012

More than 50 county officials and employees joined the “Take A Load Off” Weight Loss Challenge Jan. 3. The Association of Arkansas Counties proposed the friendly competition aimed at better health to counties throughout Arkansas in December. A total of 57 people comprised seven teams that weighed in at 15,001 pounds.

“The challenge is another opportunity to interact with our county officials and employees. This is a fun and positive team effort in the spirit of healthier lifestyles,” Chris Villines, AAC executive director said. “We look forward to watching the participating counties have fun with this and start 2012 on the right foot together.”

The following six teams entered:

• “Triple Threat,” Benton County Clerks office, 3 team members
• “The Big  Macks,” Benton County Juvenile Detention, 12 team members
• Little River County, 11 team members
• “Calorie Crushers,” Pulaski County, 13 team members
• Poinsett County, 3 team members
• “Damsels in Distress,” Benton County, Division III, 4 team members

The AAC also formed an 11-member team, “All Around Changers,” but it will not compete against the county teams.

The contest time period is Jan. 3 – April 3, 2012.

Teams were encouraged to share e-mail addresses so participate can share recipes, tips, funny quotes, thoughts of the day, etc.

Follow the challenge on the AAC’s facebook page and on its Web site at www.arcounties.org. 

The winning team will earn bragging rights, healthier futures and a feature in the Spring 2012 edition of County Lines magazine and coverage on AAC’s Web site and facebook page and special recognition at the annual AAC conference.

Teams were comprised of at least two players. Teams’ scores will be determined by percentage of weight loss by the entire team. The team with the largest percentage of weight loss at the end of the contest period will be the winner.

The second weigh-in is Jan. 30; third Feb. 27; and the final weigh-in along with team photos will be due April 3, 2012. AAC will organize, rank and share results after each weigh-in deadline.