November 15, 2004
ROMNEY APPOINTS PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
Says the work of the committee will result in healthier lifestyles
Citing the positive benefits of exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle, Governor Mitt Romney today issued an Executive Order expanding the membership of the Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports and focusing its mission.
At a State House ceremony, Romney swore in the 30-member team of fitness, marketing and medical professionals, calling on them to work with his Administration to promote the vital role that sports and physical fitness play in the overall health and well-being of Bay State residents, particularly children.
“We have a crisis with America’s health,” said Romney. “The best way to address it is by promoting healthy lifestyles that will keep people living longer and more productive lives.”
Chaired by brand marketing expert Soosie Lazenby of Jack Morton Worldwide, the committee will work with the Administration to focus on four goals over the coming year:
· Writing a business plan to ensure the sustainability of the committee and its initiatives;
· Creating an outreach initiative to encourage the state’s youth to participate in sports and physical fitness activities;
· Launching a public awareness campaign to enhance overall participation in sport and physical fitness and educate the Commonwealth’s citizens on the positive impacts of being healthy and active; and
· Developing an event to generate awareness and funding in support of the committee’s recommendations.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health statistics point to the need for Bay State residents to make healthier choices and to increase their physical activity. Studies show that 55 percent of Bay State adults are overweight; 70 percent do not eat the daily recommended serving of fruits and vegetables; and nearly half do not regularly exercise.
In addition, the Commonwealth’s children need to focus more on diet and exercise. Thirty-three percent of children between the ages of two and five who participate in the state’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program are overweight; nearly 90 percent of high school students do not eat the daily recommended serving of fruits and vegetables; and 21 percent of high schoolers regularly smoke.
Lazenby said the committee will present their first action plan to Romney on February 15, 2005. Members include:
* Chair Soosie Lazenby, Jack Morton Worldwide;
* Joe Berkeley, Hill Holliday Connors Cosmopoulos;
* Becky Collet, Collet Communications;
* Diana Cutaia, Advance Sports Educational & Consulting Services, LLC;
* Michael Ernst, Governor’s Office;
* Dr. Alan Ezekowitz, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children;
* Josie Gardiner, Fitness Trainer;
* Jessica Gelman, New England Patriots;
* Rich Gotham, Boston Celtics;
* Andrew Graff, Allen and Gerritsen;
* Patricia Henry, Harvard University Murr Center;
* John Holloran, Pepsi Bottling Group;
* Charlie Jacobs, Delaware North Company (Boston Bruins/Fleet Center);
* Dr. Chander Kapasi, Former Medical Director of Women’s Health for North East Rehabilitation Hospital;
* John Kennedy, Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy;
* Sam Kennedy, Boston Red Sox;
* Jennifer Khoury, Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.;
* Karianne Kraus, Bank of America;
* Abner Kurtin, K Capital Partners;
* Mark Lev, ANC Sports Enterprises;
* John Lynch, Reebok;
* Jodi Matthews, Weber Shandwick;
* Keith McDermott, Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center;
* Hadley Morash, SFX Sports;
* Peter Roby, Northeastern University;
* Sylvia Stevens-Edouard, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts;
* Andre Tippet, New England Patriots;
* Amy Vreeland, New Balance Athletics, Inc.;
* Dr. Wayne Westcott, South Shore YMCA; and
* Dr. Bertram Zarins, Massachusetts General Hospital.
In addition, the Commissioners of Education, Conservation and Recreation and Public Health will be ex-officio members of the committee.
“These individuals bring years of experience, are highly regarded in their professions and represent diverse areas of expertise,” Lazenby said. “Their participation will not only enhance, but further the mission of the committee and its ability to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth.”
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