Washington, DC

(Washington, DC) – Today at the Deanwood Recreation Center, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the FitDC One Billion Steps Challenge, a citywide challenge encouraging all District of Columbia residents to become more active, eat healthier foods and walk one billion steps. Mayor Bowser was joined by Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander, DC Department of Health (DOH) Director Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, and DC Department of Parks and Recreation Acting Director Keith A. Anderson.

“The FitDC Billion Steps Challenge encourages and motivates our residents to take a step into a healthier and more active lifestyle,” said Mayor Bowser. “This initiative will educate, encourage and challenge our residents to own their personal health and wellness knowing there are resources and programs in their city offering support along the way. Healthy and active lifestyles are critical to creating sustainable pathways to the middle class.”

The Mayor also announced 10 FitDC Coaches, one for each Ward as well as a Senior Coach and Youth Coach. FitDC Coaches will encourage and motivate DC residents to get out, move more and make healthier choices. The coaches will help plan and co-lead Ward Walks and serve as role models for DC residents around health and wellness.

The Coaches are:
• Ward 1: Marita Gumbs
• Ward 2: Aimee Stolz
• Ward 3: Phillip Thomas
• Ward 4: Carrye Brown
• Ward 5: Elena Littles
• Ward 6: Chris Donelan
• Ward 7: Christina Alexander
• Ward 8: Charles Taylor
• Senior Coach: Darryl Garrett
• Youth Coach: Nate Green

Today’s event featured a 1.5 mile Ward Walk to kick-off the FitDC Billion Steps Challenge led by Mayor Bowser and other city officials as well as the FitDC Coaches. Residents can track the city’s progress toward one billion steps via fitdc.com and the FitDC coaches. Steps will be tracked via text messages, email and tweets to the website, uploaded to an online counter and through manual logs placed at eight DPR facilities throughout the city that will be designated as FitDC Walking Centers.

“DOH is fully committed to the idea that every DC resident who wants to improve their personal health is provided with the resources and support necessary to take control – be healthy and live well,” said Dr. Nesbitt. “Today, I am happy to present the FitDC Coaches who will serve as role models to inspire and encourage DC residents to get healthier and more active as we walk our way to fitness through the FitDC Billion Steps Challenge.”

“DPR is excited about working with DOH to help our residents to improve their health, increase their activity, utilize DPR facilities, and take part in the Billion Steps Challenge,” said Director Anderson.

FitDC, is a joint initiative by DOH and DPR.  For more information about FitDC, including fitness and nutrition tips, visit www.fitdc.com.  Also follow/like on Twitter and Facebook at MyFitDC. Or call 311 for language relevant information.