Let’s Move Video Challenge Winner Announced

Faith and Community Leaders from several states are chosen for work to solve childhood obesity.

Washington D.C. – First Lady Michelle Obama announced the winners of the Let’s Move! Communities on the Move video challenge, which invited faith and community leaders to share their stories about their efforts to promote wellness and solve the problem of childhood obesity in their communities.

Mrs. Obama launched the challenge during the celebration of the second anniversary of Let’s Move! at an event at Northland, A Church Distributed in Longwood, Florida. The First Lady encouraged participating organizations to create videos that showcased programs related to Let’s Move Faith and Communities that were creative, effective, sustainable, replicable and inspirational. Videos focused on at least one Let’s Move Faith and Communities focus area, including efforts to promote physical activity, access to healthy, affordable food for children and healthy eating using MyPlate, the federal government’s new food icon.

Communities across the country responded enthusiastically to the challenge, submitting videos that represented a broad range of programs, strategies and age groups, from toddlers to teenagers, with submissions from 21 states. A panel of judges from Let’s Move!, USDA and HHS chose one winner and several Honorable Mentions. The Popular Choice Award was given to the eligible video with the most votes online. All the winners will be invited to the White House and will meet First Lady Michelle Obama at a date to be announced.

“With lots of creativity and a great sense of fun, these congregations and organizations have shown us the inspiring work being done across the country to help our children lead healthier lives,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “Everyone wants to see our nation become healthier, and these contest winners have shown us that by taking steps big or small, each of us can play a role in solving the problem of childhood obesity. I hope more people are inspired by these organizations to work together for our children’s health.”

The winner of the Let’s Move! Communities on the Move video challenge:

First Prize was taken by Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville, Forida.

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Eatonville, Florida has devised a multigenerational approach to motivate families and communities to take an active role in striving for good health and living life to the fullest. Youth health programs at Macedonia put an emphasis on obesity prevention through physical activity, nutrition education, gardening and group motivation. The Macedonia on the Move video shows their “Fit With Faith” weekly exercise program, Zumba classes and Fitness Boot Camps that infuse some friendly competition into physical activity. The church has partnered with several community organizations and has parents and church leaders serving as role models by engaging in activities that promote health and wellness.