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Sponsors
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Sponsor Spotlight
At Georgia Natural Gas® we support Beat The Heat because we understand the importance of helping our kids make healthier lifestyle choices. This year, GNG's TrueBlue Schools® Program is teaming up with family and kids cooking expert Jennifer Bushman to promote healthy eating. Jennifer, author of the Kitchen Coach cookbook series, is sharing her secrets about how to whip up healthy meals in minutes, while also helping teach our kids healthier eating habits. GNG's TrueBlue Schools is a simple fundraising solution open to all Georgia schools. To learn how to put the TrueBlue Schools program to work for your school visit www.trueblueschools.com
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Event Information
Event Overview
Kids need at least an hour of physical activity a day to stay healthy. Exercise often is viewed as something kids have to do rather than something they want to do.
The AT&T Beat the Heat Challenge presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia hopes to change that mindset.
With support from the Tour de Georgia Foundation, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta joined forces with Falling Waters, the developers of North Georgia's luxury mountain home community, and the producer of Athens Twilight, Georgia's historic cycling event, to create the AT&T Beat the Heat Challenge, a multisport extravaganza with proceeds benefiting Georgia Children's Health Alliance (GCHA). Proceeds from the Beat the Heat Challenge will be designated toward initiatives designed to reduce the alarming childhood obesity rates in Georgia. By participating in the Sunday Georgia Natural Gas Beat the Heat Ride, you also show organizers of the 2010 Tour de Georgia just how much the Tour means to you.
The event is Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in Ellijay, GA (one hour north of Atlanta). With activities for both experienced athletes and beginners, this event encourages families to get healthy and enjoy the outdoors.
In addition to organized activities, we will host a Fit Families Expo. Exhibitors and sponsors can display products and teach families about leading healthier lives.
We also will host the Awesome Activities Village, where vendors, professional athletes and child health professionals can help kids participate in all kinds of activities, from fishing to growing an organic garden.
Finally, Tour de Georgia fans and serious cycling enthusiasts will be encouraged to participate in the Georgia Natural Gas Beat the Heat Ride up Brasstown Bald. Professional and recreational cyclists will help bring awareness to childhood obesity through their support of this epic ride.
We thank you for your participation in the AT&T Beat the Heat Challenge and support of statewide childhood obesity prevention initiatives, and we are excited to continue this cause as we move toward 2010 and the next Tour de Georgia.
Schedule of Events
Beneficiary Overview
In Georgia, 43 percent of third-graders are overweight or obese. The issue is equally troubling in older children, with 43,000 middle school students and 62,000 high school students considered obese. These children are more likely to suffer from serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. Our children deserve a healthy foundation for lifelong success.
In response, Georgia Children's Health Alliance (GCHA) was formed to reverse this disappointing trend. A shared effort among public, private, not-for-profit, business and community sectors, the mission of GCHA is to improve the well-being of Georgia's children by fostering a culture of statewide collaboration.
We know that healthy children with healthy habits are more likely to become healthy adults. That is why GCHA was formed, to unite pediatric health experts and resources from across the state to help create healthier futures for our children. The initial focus areas for GCHA include healthy births, childhood obesity, and child abuse and neglect. Proceeds from the AT&T Beat the Heat Challenge will benefit obesity initiatives.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta serves the GCHA lead agency for obesity prevention. As part of a new strategy, Children's will work with organizations throughout the state to turn the tide on childhood obesity.
Visit www.thegcha.org for more information.