HARLINGEN — Time to get healthy, Harlingen.
Last night was the 3rd Annual Community Meeting and It’s Time Texas Challenge Kickoff.
More than 50 residents and community leaders came together to discuss wellness initiatives for the city and the ITT Challenge.
The challenge pits same-sized Texas communities against each other to see which community can demonstrate the greatest commitment to healthy living.
Residents sign up on the ITT website and are able to earn points for their community by proving they are living a healthy lifestyle by exercising and eating right.
Mayor Chris Boswell will be hosting a walking group next Saturday as part of the ITT Challenge.
Creating events that promote healthy lifestyles earn points for the community.
Within the challenge there are a number of divisions including city, school district and university.
Last year, Harlingen was runner up in the mid-sized city division and the Harlingen school district won first place in its division.
Currently, Harlingen is ranked second place behind the city of Coppell and the school district is ranked first with a 250,000 point lead.
The challenge began earlier this month and will continue until March 4.
The meeting also allowed community leaders to discuss and brainstorm ideas to make Harlingen a healthier community including park plans.
During the meeting Boswell also announced the city was awarded four grants totaling $3.5 million that will go toward the creation of sidewalks.
“Anytime you can walk someplace and walk there safely, it makes for a better city and a better community,” Boswell said.
WHEN — Sat., Feb. 3
WHERE — Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum parking lot, 2425 Boxwood Street
TIME: 8 a.m.
To register for the ITT Challenge go to ittcommunitychallenge.com
Challenge ends on March 4.
