As hundreds of thousands of Iowans take part in Wednesday’s ‘Healthiest State Walk,’ the Drake University athletic department will bolster the Healthiest State Initiative’s cause with proceeds from the Hy-Vee Road Races at the Drake Relays.
Drake Athletics will present a $10,000 check to the Healthiest State Initiative at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday (Oct. 9 ) afternoon in front of Old Main with Drake’s 1-kilometer walk starting shortly after. The walk is one of thousands across the state as Iowans commit to the Healthiest State Initiative’s five priority areas in an effort to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation.
“We are excited about the continued partnership with the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee and the Hy-Vee Road Races,” said Drake Director of Athletics Sandy Hatfield Clubb. “This partnership has facilitated support for the Healthiest State Initiative at another level.”
The Healthiest State Initiative is a privately led public initiative intended to inspire Iowans and their communities throughout the state to improve their health and happiness. To achieve this goal, individuals, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, not-for-profits and the public sector unite in a community-focused effort to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by 2016.
“We’re very grateful to the Drake University Athletic Department for its support,” said Helen Eddy, executive director of the Healthiest State Initiative. “Iowa has moved from 19th to ninth in our overall well-being ranking. With support like this from Drake University, we can make even further progress toward becoming the healthiest state in the nation.”
To join one of Wednesday’ walks, or for more information on the Healthiest State Initiative, visit www.iowahealthieststate.com.