OUTTAKES: Sport by sport: Volunteer for Fitness
By Amy Goldhammer
Sep 1, 2005, 14:06
It’s no secret that Americans are in need of a fitness wake-up call. But aside from dragging your family or coworkers on a hike or bike ride, how can you encourage others to get active?
“Deciding where and how to get involved is a daunting task for most people,” says Michael Lee, spokesperson for the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA).
That’s why the OIA launched “Getting Americans Active,” an online database to connect companies and individuals with philanthropic initiatives. An added benefit: Volunteering in the outdoors will help you stay fit, too. To try it, log on to www.outdoorindustry.org/programsearch and pick your preference: Would you rather donate time, money or gear? Do you prefer working with kids or adults? Peruse more than 40 sport-specific programs, and decide if you’d like to connect with a hiking charity or
something more specialized like fly fishing, skiing or canoeing.
“Getting Americans Active” is the latest in a string of outdoor industry initiatives targeted at fighting obesity through outdoor sports. Last year, the Outdoor Industry Foundation partnered with federal land and health agencies and private businesses and launched the “Get Fit with US” program, which promoted the connection between better public health and use of public lands. The industry also supported the Get Outdoors Act, a bill guaranteeing funding for programs that promote outdoor recreation as a solution to the obesity epidemic.
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