SAN ANTONIO, March 28, 2012 -- The U.S. Army will again use the Strong B.A.N.D.S. campaign to promote Soldier and Family fitness and community well-being by showcasing garrison physical activities during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May.
Strong B.A.N.D.S. promotes healthy physical activity by Soldiers, Families and Civilians at organized events across the Army.
"It's all about enhancing community resiliency," said Darrell Manuel, Army Sports director and program manager for Strong B.A.N.D.S. "What started last year as a sports and fitness event now has been expanded to include Child, Youth and School Services; Outdoor Recreation; Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation; Libraries and Warrior Transition units participating."
B.A.N.D.S. stands for Balance, Activity, Nutrition, Determination and Strength -- all key components of overall well-being. A program of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation directorate, the campaign is designed to energize and inspire community members to live a healthy lifestyle.
"With the success of the campaign last year, garrisons are excited and energized about being a part of this year's event," said Manuel. "We have the opportunity like never before for the garrisons to showcase all the great programs and facilities available to Soldiers and Families."
Fifty-nine garrisons participated last year, and together conducted 200 classes, competitions and running events. The promotion involved 25,000 participants world-wide.
"Fort Polk is thrilled to participate in the Strong B.A.N.D.S program again this year," said Victoria Clark, recreation specialist at Fort Polk, La. "If there is a way to motivate people to get more active, either by pursuing a personal goal or competing against others, then we are excited to showcase our facility to help Fort Polk's community reach their fitness goals and commit to fitness."
The garrisons will give black and gold wristbands to participants of their activities during the promotion. The black represents determination and the gold, achievement.
"In today's busy and demanding world, it is more important than ever to provide our Soldiers and Families an opportunity and outlet for recreational choices that will contribute to a healthy lifestyle," said Megan O'Donoghue, director of Family and MWR marketing, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. "The Strong B.A.N.D.S. program helps us to highlight the variety of recreation and fitness avenues available to our Soldiers and families through Family & MWR programs and facilities."
Soldier athletes from the Army's World Class Athlete Program will be featured as campaign ambassadors representing the best in physical fitness and sports in the Army.
Family and MWR customers, regardless of whether or not their garrison is participating, have a chance to participate through the Strong B.A.N.D.S. webpage at http://www.ArmyMWR.com/strongbands, by leaving comments, uploading photos and winning prizes. The page will also list health and fitness events scheduled at each garrison.
"Fitness is a state of mind," said Manuel. "If you think healthy, participate in healthy activities, you're on the right track to stay healthy. We care for the Soldiers and Families who have endured some much for so long. The Strong B.A.N.D.S. Campaign promotes physical fitness, well-being and more importantly a resilient lifestyle."
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About the U.S. Army Installation Management Community:
IMCOM handles the day-to-day operations of U.S. Army installations around the globe. Army installations are communities that provide many of the same types of services expected from any small city. Fire, police, public works, housing, and child-care are just some of the things IMCOM does in Army communities every day. We endeavor to provide a quality of life for Soldiers, Civilians and Families commensurate with their service. Our professional workforce strives to deliver on the commitments of the Army Family Covenant, honor the sacrifices of military Families, and enable the Army Force Generation cycle.
Our Mission: Our mission is to provide Soldiers, Civilians and their Families with a quality of life commensurate with the quality of their service.
Our Vision: Army installations are the Department of Defense standard for infrastructure quality and are the provider of consistent, quality services that are a force multiplier in supported organizations' mission accomplishment, and materially enhance Soldier, Civilian and Family well-being and readiness.
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