First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson Kicks off 2010 Healthy Steps to Albany: First Lady's Challenge

ALBANY, NY (03/01/2010)(readMedia)-- First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson today kicked off "Healthy Steps to Albany: First Lady's Challenge," the competition she developed to teach children about health and wellness. The First Lady hosted the Earning Our First Steps Together pep rally at J.H.S. 13 Central Park East Middle School in her Harlem community. She was joined by star athletes, the Women's Sports Foundation, WBLS radio station, Dr. Richard Daines, Commissioner of the State Department of Health, educators, and community leaders to celebrate the program's launch.

"I am proud to kick off the Healthy Steps challenge and congratulate New York's students for taking their health into their own hands. We have the tools to build a healthy lifestyle and with this program, we can do it together, while also having fun!" First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson said. "The next six weeks of eating right and exercising are only the beginning. I urge all kids take advantage of every opportunity for exercise, and every healthy option on your plate. Do not let the Healthy Steps competition be your first and only effort to get fit, stay fit, and lead very long, active and healthy lives."

Healthy Steps is a six-week competition that encourages middle school students to increase their physical activity and eat wholesome foods. Each classroom works as a team and is awarded 'steps,' or points, for the amount of exercise they perform and the fruits and vegetables they eat. Students use the Healthy Steps website to convert various exercises and nutritious eating into steps. The teams track their progress on a map that highlights fun facts about New York State. The teams that log the most steps in each grade win the challenge. The program is open to every 6th, 7th, and 8th grade public school classroom in New York City, as well as those in Rockland, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The First Lady kicked off the Earning Our First Steps Together pep rally with the J.H.S. 13 Central Park East students, rotating through a series of physical activity Rally Stations led by star athletes. The students participated in basketball drills with New York Liberty Legend Kym Hampton and former New York Knicks player and NBA All-Star John Starks; completed a fencing routine with three-time Olympic fencer Sharon Monplaisir; worked on gymnastics moves with nine-time U.S. National Gymnast Wendy Hilliard; and were introduced to luging by Olympian and U.S. National Champion Cameron Myler. The students each earned approximately 1,500 steps for their Rally Station activities.

"I want to thank the special guests who joined me today in support of Healthy Steps, including the Women's Sports Foundation and our athletes: Kym Hampton, Wendy Hilliard, Sharon Monplaisir, and Cameron Myler; John Starks; WBLS and Doctor Bob Lee. I also applaud our prize sponsors, MobileMatters, the New York Liberty and Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.), as well as the school sponsors who have signed up to support our students. Your involvement is truly inspirational and sets a great example for our kids to follow."

The First Lady, Dr. Daines and the star athletes spoke to the students about Healthy Steps and the importance of exercise and a balanced diet. They also announced new contest prizes, including: text messages to all participating students from the celebrity athletes and other special guests to encourage the students throughout the six-week program, courtesy of MobileMatters; tickets for the top three teams to attend a WNBA New York Liberty game, courtesy of the New York Liberty and Kym Hampton; and brand new sneakers to the winning teams in each grade, courtesy of K.I.D.S.

In addition, the top performing class in each grade from New York City and the surrounding counties, for a total of six winning teams, will travel to the Executive Mansion for a healthy lunch with the First Lady and Governor, as well as visit an organic farm.

According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of childhood obesity has risen for adolescents aged 12-19 years, from 5 percent to 17.6 percent in each youth and adolescent age group from 1976-1980 though 2003-2006. New York State has 18th highest percent of obese and overweight children in the U.S.

The First Lady began Healthy Steps in 2007, focusing on her immediate Harlem community. Last year, she expanded the program to middle school students in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and Yonkers.

Dr. Daines, Commissioner of the State Department of Health, said: "I applaud the First Lady's commitment to advancing the health and wellness of New York's children. Currently, 35 percent of children in our State are overweight or obese. With the focus on physical activity and healthy eating, the Healthy Steps program is making a difference in the lives of hundreds of middle school students across the State and helping children take a giant step toward a healthy future."

Kym Hampton, New York Liberty Legend and current Fan Development Leader, said: "The Healthy Steps Challenge is a perfect example of how we, as adults and role models, can take specific actions to instill the importance of a healthy lifestyle in today's children. As both an athlete and former model, I understand the vitality of keeping active and eating well in order to stay fit, physically and mentally. I applaud the First Lady for promoting this idea through her initiative, and look forward to rewarding the top three classes with tickets to see the New York Liberty."

Wendy Hilliard, Hall of Fame, USA Gymnastics: "Healthy Steps is an excellent, hands-on way for students to learn about living a healthy lifestyle. As a lifelong athlete, I applaud the First Lady for being an impetus for children to make healthier choices in their lives."

Sharon Monplaisir, three-time U.S. Fencing Olympian: "First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson exemplifies how exercise and healthy living can create positive results. It is important for students today to have role models that can not only provide guidance but show them the benefits of physical activity and conscientious eating."

Cameron Myler, four-time U.S. Olympian, seven-time U.S. National Champion, Luge: "Eating well-balanced meals and exercising regularly has allowed me to maintain a positive, can-do attitude, which has followed me in all my endeavors. The First Lady's Healthy Steps Program is a wonderful way for kids to experience the benefits of this lifestyle and incorporate it into their lives."

Erik Cliette, CEO of MobileMatters: "MobileMatters is honored to be able to use mobile technology to help raise awareness around childhood obesity. We applaud First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson for continuing to invest in the health of our children."

Doctor Bob Lee, WBLS 107.5 FM, Radio Personality: "I am honored to be a part of First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson's Healthy Steps to Albany contest. Taking every opportunity to positively affect the lives of our young people has remained a goal throughout my career. This program provides a way for all of us to make others aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle."

Janice Weinman, President of K.I.D.S., said: "We believe that programs like Healthy Steps are an essential part of health and wellness education – lessons our children need to live long, prosperous lives. K.I.D.S. is thrilled to join First Lady Paterson to support all of the student participants and donate a special prize to the outstanding competitors."

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About the Athletes

Kym Hampton has lived one dream through basketball and is pursuing others in the world of sports and entertainment. Having completed a 15 year professional basketball career not only in the WNBA, but Spain, Italy, France and Japan - the transition is natural because the world for Kym has always been a stage.

A graduate of Arizona State University, she received her bachelor's degree in theater but will go down in the university's history book as one of the most decorated hoop players to wear a Sun Devil's jersey.

During Kym's WNBA career and since then, she has become a plus size model in fashion as well as cosmetics. The multi-talented Hampton has also had the opportunity to grace the television and film world. She is also a spokesperson for the NBA, WNBA, New York Liberty and New York Knicks to name a few.

Even before setting foot in Madison Square Garden as a player with the Liberty, Kym performed the national anthem during a Knicks play-off game before a sell-out crowd. Since then, she has performed the anthem several times at the Garden and is currently working with the New York Liberty as a Fan Development Leader.

Wendy Hilliard has long been a major force in women's sports. In 1978, she became the first African-American, Rhythmic Gymnastics National Team Member. She was on the National Team a record-setting nine times; twice as Team Captain. Wendy competed in three World Championships in 1979, 1981, 1983 and numerous international competitions in individual and group divisions. She won National and International titles and her routines were renowned for their speed, difficulty and exuberant presentation. In 2008, she was named to the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame – the first African American rhythmic gymnastics inductee.

Wendy served as President of the Women's Sports Foundation from 1995 to 1997, the first African American and gymnast to serve as the Foundation's president. She has been a television commentator for various sports and gymnastics events; including the Olympic Games. As a performer, Wendy was featured on numerous television shows and tours with the world's top gymnasts, and performed on Broadway. She is a founding member and choreographer for ANTIGRAVITY, and was Director of Sports for NYC2012; responsible for all of the Olympic sport issues. In 2006, Wendy opened the gymnastics center in a new multi-million/multi-sport complex for Aviator Sports and Recreation. In 1996, she created The Wendy Hilliard Foundation, which has provided free gymnastics for over 10,000 inner-city youth in New York City.

Sharon Monplaisir was a member of the U.S. Olympic fencing team in 1992, 1988 and 1984. A U.S. national champion in 1988, Sharon was a member of the U.S. World Team for seven years, from 1992 to 1985. She also was a member of the Pan American teams that won the gold medal in 1991 and 1987, and a member of the World University Team in 1987 and 1983. As a member of the Hunter College fencing team. Sharon was a NCAA All-America selection in 1983, 1985, 1986 and 1987. She currently runs her own business as a personal trainer and plans to pursue a career in physical therapy. In 1984, Sharon was the recipient of the Southland Olympian Award for athletic and academic achievement.

Cameron Myler first got on a sled after the Olympics in 1980 and sped down the track in Lake Placid. She won the Junior Olympics race at the end of the two-week training camp she participated in, and was invited back for a summer camp. She spent much of the next 18 years on a luge sled or training to be on a luge sled. She competed on four U.S. Olympic Teams - 1998 Nagano, Japan; 1994 Lillehammer, Norway; 1992 Albertville, France; and 1988 Calgary, Canada. Cameron cherishes the memory of carrying the American flag at the head of the U.S. Team into the Opening Ceremonies at the 1994 Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer. Cameron has also won seven U.S. National luge titles.

In 1998, Cameron traded her luge sled for lots of books at Boston College Law School. Since graduating in 2001, she has been practicing law in New York City.

John Starks is one of the most tenacious and electrifying players in New York Knicks history and currently serves as the team's Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor. During his outstanding eight-year career with the New York Knicks, John was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1992-1993, became an NBA All-Star in 1994, and was awarded the League's Sixth Man of the Year in 1996-1997. He averaged 14.1 points per game, while leading the Knicks in three point goals (982). In addition, he remains 11th in total points (8,489), 8th in assists (2,394), and 7th in steals (711) in Knicks history. In the final minute of New York's win over Chicago in Game 2 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals, Starks performed one of the most memorable "highlight" plays in team history – "The Dunk". In that same year, the John Starks Foundation was established to provide positive opportunities for disadvantaged youngsters and communities.

About the Prize Sponsors

MobileMatters is a technology company committed to helping non-profits and businesses utilize social media. They will enable star athletes and other program supports to send motivational text messages to all participating students.

The New York Liberty, a charter member of the WNBA, will provide tickets to the top three performing teams to attend a New York Liberty basketball game. The New York Liberty will open its 14th season against the Chicago Sky at Madison Square Garden at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 16. Visit NYLiberty.com for information on the upcoming season and ticketing or call 212-465-6766.

Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) is a nonprofit children's charity fund that will award new sneakers to the six winning teams.

Community organizations, businesses, groups and individuals are encouraged to become a school or prize sponsor, directly supporting the Healthy Steps teams as they compete in the health and wellness campaign. For information on how to become a sponsor, please visit: http://www.healthystepstoalbany.ny.gov/healthysteps/public/sponsor.cfm.

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