It’s Harlingen’s time: City, school district win health challenge

HARLINGEN — They’ve done it again.

For the third straight year, the Harlingen school district has won the mid-size category Community Challenge, an initiative by It’s Time Texas to demonstrate it’s commitment to fitness.

The city of Harlingen also took first place in the mid-size community category and received a $1,800 check.

“It’s fantastic,” said Sandra Flinn, aquatics coordinator for the school district.

“I think winning a community challenge like this three years in a row makes a statement about the school district, the things we value,” Flinn said. “I think we both put a lot of effort into promoting participation.”

Flinn is also the chairperson for the Mayor’s Wellness Council. The challenge is made in partnership with H-E-B.

The city and school district took the top spot in the challenge, which saw residents taking selfies that earned them points. Those selfies showed people eating nutritious meals, drinking water and engaging in other healthy activities.

“I am just really excited with how well they did, with as many people as participated,” said Mayor Chris Boswell.

He referred to such healthy initiatives as the Jalapeno 100 and the Boston Marathon qualifier as examples of the city’s dedication to fitness.

“We are doing a lot of it,” Boswell said. “This challenge could not happen without the volunteers and organizers of different events.”