About Let’s Move!

The City of Bridgeport Health and Social Services Department has gotten on board with First Lady, Michelle Obama, who has launched the national Let’s Move! Campaign. This healthy campaign is seeking support in solving the problem of obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and be able to pursue their dreams. The City of Bridgeport, Connecticut is finding more ways for residents to exercise at little to no cost. We will be launching a string of Walking Paths/Routes in the many historic neighborhoods throughout Bridgeport in June, 2011. Many of the Walking Paths will have at least one Farm Stand, where local farmers will be selling fresh produce, along or close to the route.

In keeping with the nutritional aspect of the Let’s Move Bridgeport campaign we are also collaborating with Wholesome Wave, Bridgeport Community Land Trust and Bridgeport REACH 2020 by supporting community gardens and farmers market box distribution. These sites will harvest fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. YMCA Raphola Taylor Community Center in the city’s East End now has 25 raised beds right on Stratford Avenue. Young people from the Center are working with REACH 2020 and Bridgeport Department of Health and Social Services to plant strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, raspberries, carrots, lettuce, watermelon and three types of peppers! The young people tend to “their” gardens daily to reap the benefits of the healthy choices they’ve sown and will sell product at reduced cost to East End Families.

Stay tuned for the official launch of our City of Bridgeport, Let’s Move Bridgeport campaign, on Saturday, July 30th, 2011 (Rain Date Sunday, July 31st, 2011) in Kennedy Stadium at Central High School, 1 Lincoln Avenue in Bridgeport, CT. We will be attempting to set a Guinness Book of World Records by hosting a 1000 person or more, simultaneous Frisbee toss! We need 1000 people or more, of all ages, for the Guinness Book of World Records attempt, who can throw a frisbee that stays airborne for at least 10 feet. (No catching required!)

There will be other activities throughout the day including a Let’s Move Bridgeport! Beyoncé inspired line dance, Double Dutch, Zumba and Martial Arts demonstrations, and other “Let’s Move” inspired activities; and Tee shirts, frisbees, watermelon, water and various promotional products giveaways.