After weeks of brainstorming, networking and an avid desire to create a healthier community, Healthy Harrison’s Health Games ended in – as judges said – “a photo finish.”

 

Taking the $100,000 grand prize was Bridgeport.

 

The announcement was made by Dr. Clay Marsh following a question and answer session conducted via Zoom and based at the offices of Steptoe & Johnson.

 

Other communities represented were North View, Shinnston, downtown Clarksburg and Nutter Fort.

 

In a surprise announcement, John Paul Nardelli, executive director of Healthy Harrison, shared the news that those four communities would each receive $32,500 for the programs they had created.

 

Partnering with Healthy Harrison for the initiative were United Way of Harrison County, United Hospital Center and West Virginia University.

 

The contest was launched, Nardelli said, to transform the health of our Harrison County residents, but also those throughout the state.

 

“West Virginia’s current rate of obesity is the worst in the nation. Forty percent (of our residents) have poor health outcomes,” Nardelli said. “As these statistics continue to rise, we are tired of waiting on an outsider to fix our problem. Healthy Harrison assembled a coalition to combat this epidemic – with support from WVU Health Sciences Center – and bring forth a healthier West Virginia.”

 

Team Bridgeport based its initiative centered on Mind, Move and Eat via a four-pronged approach: the Healthy Bridgeport App, Community Activities, the 5K Festival and Biggest Loser & 10% Takedown Challenges. Veigel describes the app as “a health coach in the palm of your hand," streaming valuable resources, interactive features and encouraging reminders. The Biggest Loser and 10% Takedown Challenges both offer thorough scanning and progress checks, as well as generous cash prizes. The program will be rolled out by Nov. 1. 

 

Bridgeport’s program also includes a long-term goal to expand the app to include residents in other Harrison County communities and eventually beyond.

 

“I am excited, and I know my team is excited,” Veigel said. “I truly think this is just the beginning. We hope to take our plan and over the next six months, be able to roll it out to other communities.”

 

Nardelli said he congratulates Bridgeport, which was selected as the pilot community.

 

“Bridgeport is leading the way in this project, but if we’re going to win the war against obesity, we have to do it together,” he said. “…The games might be over, but we are in this together. We need to roll up our sleeves, get to work and build a blueprint for a healthier West Virginia.”

 

Bridgeport’s grand prize includes $50,000 in cash and $50,000 in health initiatives such as Fitbits, virtual fitness classes and more.

 

See Bridgeport’s video presentation, delivered Sept. 28 by Veigel and Krista Arnold at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, below.

 

Information will soon be forthcoming about how to subscribe to the free app and get in the loop of The Health Games Team Bridgeport. Regular information will be shared here on Connect-Bridgeport.