A healthy heart always wins

Photo:

Andover Elementary School students and Principal Beth Clarke are seen here before their Tuesday afternoon training with a River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition volunteer for the upcoming Healthy Hearts 5k in Rumford. (Times photo by Cherri Crockett)

ANDOVER- Students at the local elementary school have been working hard since the first of March to get their hearts and bodies in shape for the upcoming 2^nd Annual Healthy Hearts 5k Run/Walk being held in Rumford on May 20. Registration will begin at 9:30 and the race will start promptly at 11.

A volunteer from River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition has been working with the students to get them in shape and ready for the 3.1-mile run/walk sponsored for the second year by area businesses and organized by Sandy Witas of RVHCC.

“It's a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to be more active throughout the area, but especially for school children and their families,” noted Witas. “Last year we had more than 90 participants, with only a handful of them being younger athletes. This year we offered families of local elementary students the opportunity to register for only $10, hoping to send the message that we need to get our kids engaged in healthy activities, as well.”

School children from Holy Savior, Dirigo Elementary and Andover Elementary have formed teams of runners/walkers to represent their colors and have either incorporated the training into their physical education programs at school or created an after school training program, like the one in Andover.

Last year, the event raised close to $2,000 for the American Heart Association and this year the funds will be benefiting the cardiac rehabilitation unit at Rumford Hospital.

No additional fundraising is required by the participant. The cost of your registration purchases you a t-shirt, water bottle, entrance to the race, post-race refuel and a wealth of information on how to keep active in the River Valley.

Each participant will also receive a vegetable seedling, while supplies last, to start their healthy lifestyle off right or to add to their already existing vegetable garden.

Returning sponsors include: Irving Forest Products, Pizza Hut, Davis Florist, Carrabassett Spring Water, Rumford Falls Times, Sun Journal, SmartCare, RoadID, SG Thibeault Funeral Home; Supporting sponsors include: Rumford Police Department, Mountain Valley Peer Helpers, River Valley Chamber of Commerce, Mexico Explorers, Heather Hollenback, River Valley Information Technology, Med-Care Ambulance, Interact Club, River Valley Zumba, Amato's of Rumford, various community volunteers, including race photos by Bruce Farrin and once again, timing is being provided by Chisholm Ski Club.

If you would like to save $5 by pre-registering for the race, please visit www.rvhcc.org.