Local charity declares war on fat and flab
(CNS): On Tuesday, 24 August, the Cayman Heart Fund will launch its third annual War on Weight competition and the WOW committee is currently looking for 10 volunteers dedicated to losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle. Contestants will need to be able to dedicate themselves to the 16 week-long weight loss challenge, which will entail an hour of group exercise five times a week, bi-weekly visits with a team of medical professionals to ensure weight loss is safe and consistent, as well as a strict nutritional plan under the expert eye of a registered dietician.
Each contestant will have access to more than $2,000 worth of expert advice and training.
To help motivate contestants, former WOW participants as well as the WOW committee will be on hand for added support. A family fun day will also be organised as part of the programme as well as a number of other social events to help encourage contestants further, including a kick-off party scheduled for end of August.
The biggest ‘loser’ will be measured by a formula approved by WOW’s expert advisors, as well as points gained by programme participation. Three top losers will go on to garner a prize package, which will include gifts certificates to help them continue on their weight loss programme.
A select number of applicants will be asked to interview with the committee to ensure they are dedicated to losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle, before the final 10 participants are selected. The competition is primarily aimed at adults who have a Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 30 or over. However, parent and child are also encouraged to sign up. All participants will be expected to become dedicated ambassadors of the Cayman Heart Fund’s mission to promote a healthy change in lifestyle.
Committee chairperson Leandra Charles said the competition is designed for those who really have a heartfelt desire to make a change and lead a healthier lifestyle.
“This year we are looking for 10 contestants who are really prepared to go that extra mile. We have had some great participants in previous years and many have continued on with their weight loss programme. Getting involved in a competition like this is a great way to kick-start a healthier lifestyle; with access to a wide range of expert advisors all dedicated to helping you achieve your goal.
“We really hope that through the WOW competition we can increase awareness in Cayman on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly to cut down on the growing obesity problem. Every year the WOW competition continues to grow and this year will be the biggest and best yet. We are truly very excited about what we have lined up.”
Ms Charles added: “Without the help of Cayman businesses each year, the WOW programme would not be a success and we are appealing for anyone who wishes to support the competition through sponsorship or prize donations to get in touch.”
The competition includes:
Fitness – five days a week mandatory programme, which will include a wide range of group instruction and activities, as well as access to a fitness centre.
Nutrition – bi-weekly consultation with a dietician, as well as a customized meal plan.
Medical – health screening, blood testing and monitoring by physicians and accompanying supporters.
Psychology – consultation and counselling by an approved professional throughout the competition for proactive mental advancement and support.
Education – informative seminars and workshops to educate contestants on the components of the programme.
Community involvement – WOW contestants will participate in activities to help promote the programme as well as assist with charity and community events.
The WOW competition is funded by the CHF, a non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the reduction of heart and circulatory disease in the Cayman Islands. Heart and circulatory disease, known as cardiovascular disease, is one of the biggest health problems in the Cayman Islands.
Marking its third year as a non-profit organization, the CHF has a number of goals, which includes improving the quality of life to all those affected by cardiovascular disease by providing the community with information, education, and participation through free screening clinics, contests, events, and its annual expo.
Application forms are available at www.caymanheartfund.com and www.caymanactive.com/wow. Alternatively email wowcayman@yahoo.com. Committee members will also be at Foster’s Food Fair Airport on Friday, 23 July, 11am to 2pm and Saturday, 24th July, 10am to 4pm to answer questions and sign up interested participants.
Deadline for application is Saturday, 31 July.
Category: Health
