Get Up Go

Welcome to our News and Announcements page!
We're excited about what's happening with the Get Up & Go Campaign and we want to tell you all about it. Check here daily for the latest news, announcements and events. (Click for more about our Campaign)

Belleville West to Host 2008 Race for Character
Bob Dahm, the Principal at Belleville West High School, wants you to discipline your mind, body and soul. That's the theme for the 2008 Race for Character to be hosted on May 10th at Belleville West. This 5k Walk/Run that will benefit the Dollars for Scholars Fund is part of Dahm's overall plan to change the way we approach physical fitness.

At a recent planning meeting that also involved Get Up & Go, Bob brought his message home. "We're trying to move away from the traditional concept of physical education and approach a broader, overall wellness concept. This is no longer just physical fitness, but lifelong fitness. It's something that the students can carry with them beyond high school and has an effect on their quality of life forever." Belleville West's commitment to that kind of change was demonstrated when Dahm invited Get Up & Go to share the day with them and use the facilities at Belleville West for the Get Up & Go Campaign's upcoming Fitness Fair and Pep Rally.

Needless to say, the Get Up & Go Campaign was overwhelmed by the offer. Quoting Co-Director Mark Peters, "This is going to turn into a huge celebration of fitness and healthy lifestyles! The day will start off with a fabulous Walk/Run around the Belleville campus and adjoining properties and will end up right in the middle of a day long celebration of health and fitness."

The race is open to people of all ages with awards being given for the top 2 winners in each category (Male, Female - Under 12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-25, 26-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, and 61 years and older.) All registered runners will receive a T-shirt designed by the Belleville West students, and water and snacks will be provided free for all participants. For more information you can contact Ashley Cryder and (618) 222-7646 or visit www.bths201.org/west

You can download an official entry form by clicking here.

Miles of Swimming Pays Off for YOSI Seals

The YOSI Seals swim team left their mark at the St. Louis Districts Swim Meet this year. Pictured here is a group that took first in their age division. Not only did the team move up to a 4th place finish at the championship meet, but the Seals also advanced 42 swimmers to the Area State Championship in Dekalb, Ill. This success is no doubt the reward of hard work and dedication from children of all ages.

Consider this, if an 8-12 year-old YOSI swimmer comes to practice 3 times a week, he or she could swim nearly 21 miles in the month of April alone. A 13-21 year-old swimmer coming to practice 5 days a week would be able to log over 50 miles of swimming in April. Even the 5-year-old swimmers manage to put in at least 16 miles a month. Collectively, the YOSI Seals swim team swims enough miles each week to cross the state of Illinois, Twice! With distances like these it’s no wonder the team is doing so well.

Swimming is a low-impact exercise that works the whole body. These YOSI Seals experience the benefits time and time again. Sign ups are now open for the YOSI Seals Pre-Summer Warm-Up Clinic and Summer Long Course season. Whether it’s training with competitive swim team or being active at the summer pool, consider how you can incorporate swimming into your lifestyle.

The YOSI Seal swim team is part of the YMCA of Southwest Illinois and runs training and competition swimming events year round. Summer events and training are often held outside in cooperation with area Parks and Recs department pools. For more information on the YOSI Seals and their Pre-Summer Warm-Up Clinic and Summer Long Course season click here or go to their website at www.YOSISeals.org

St. Louis Blues Join Get Up & Go

The St. Louis Blues front office has confirmed that they are joining the Get Up & Go Campaign. And we are thrilled to have them! Dan Kramer confirmed yesterday that the Blues definitely want to be a part of what's going on here in St. Clair County. We'll surely have more details to follow, but the Blues have already informed the campaign that they will have representatives at the Get Up & Go Fitness Fair event on May 10th at Bellville West. Without letting too much out of the bag, Dan said "We'll probably have a Shot-on-Goal activity for the kids (and adults?) along with some autographed equipment and other things to give away. As for a player....well, stay tuned." What a great opportunity for people to find out more about what's in store for our favorite NHL Hockey Team and to get a chance to 'make a shot'. We'll be updating this story very soon!

4th Annual Scrivner Dinner Provides Big Push to Get Up & Go

The 4th Annual "Spring Into Health" dinner sponsored by the Dr. Willard C. Scrivner Public Health Foundation held this Thursday provided another big push for the Get Up & Go campaign. The dinning room at the Four Points Sheraton was filled wall to wall with dignitaries and leaders in public health. Although the purpose of the dinner is to recognize some of the outstanding individuals for their contributions to public health, it also serves as a rallying point for determining the direction of public health in the coming year. That direction was a resounding 'Let's Get Up & Go!"

Speaker after speaker reminded us that the purpose of public health is to build healthy communities. Public health begins with the people and encouraging healthy lifestyles, good nutrition and overall physical fitness is the key to a healthy community. From Dr. Damon Arnold, the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, to World Champion Craig Virgin, Dr. Rita Arras and even Reverend Annie Clark the rallying cry was the same, "it's time to Get Up & Go!"

While many of the organizations and groups represented at the dinner have already signed up to participate in the Get Up & Go campaign, there were still a significant number that were getting their first real exposure to it. An information table staffed by our tireless student nurses greeted the evening's guests and the Get Up & Go Challenge was given to all. Several dozen took up the challenge and signed up on behalf of their organizations or themselves to participate in the campaign. (To be added to our participant list shortly.) They will join the 60 plus groups and over 10,000 people that Dr. Rita Arras reported have already joined the challenge.

You can see pictures from the Event in our Scrivner Dinner slideshow (click here). For more information about the Dr. Willard C. Scrivner Public Health Foundation or if you would like to contribute to their cause, visit them online at www.WCScrivnerFoundation.org

Mark Peters, Dr. Rita Arras and Craig Virgin...Our Get Up & Go Leaders

News Archives

Honorary Chairman and Hall of Famer Craig Virgin to Speak at Annual Health Foundation Dinner

Even Man's Best Friend Wants You to... Get Up & GO!!!

The American Cancer Society has joined the Get Up & Go Campaign.

Communities Proclaim its time to GET UP & GO!!!
Village of East Carondelet Helps Lead the Way

Kick-Off a Chilly Success

Get Up & Go... to the SWIC Belleville Campus

Volunteers Build New Playground Extension at Whiteside.

Name the Mascot Contest Begins!!!

Local Scout Troops Make Get Up & Go a Big Success!!!!

Medical Alliance Gives $1,000 to Get Up & Go!

Illinois Distributing Donates Signs,Banner for Campaign

County Board Chairman Proclaims April 2008 Get Up & Go Month!

Get Up & Go Kickoff Event set for Saturday March 29th, 2:00pm at SWIC Belleville Campus