The Biggest Loser and 10% Takedown challenges resulted in a 700-pound weight loss and several thousand dollars in prizes.

 

If you missed that opportunity recently presented by Healthy Bridgeport, you have another chance. This time, the challenges are open to all Harrison County residents. Healthy Bridgeport has been rebranded as “Health Games – The Encore,” bringing the 2020 Health Games competition full circle.

 

“When Bridgeport won The Health Games, our plan was designed around the future hope that it would go countywide and be scalable," said program lead Abby Veigel. "It was pretty easy to make the transition – adding a few more people to our team, experts from the community, and gaining more support from the community.”

 

The primary communication tool is the app, which is also part of the original plan submitted by Team Bridgeport during The Health Games competition. Designed by steering committee members Ashley and Clinten Aragona, the app is a free download and features fitness tips, recipes and motivation. Users can check off their daily “Mind, Move and Eat” goals and become eligible for monthly prize drawings.

 

Soon, the app will become even more interactive as users can scan QR codes placed throughout the county – at gyms, parks, restaurants, and other locations. A quick scan will bring healthy food and fitness options to one’s fingertips and points can be earned by checking in at those locations.

 

Health Games – The Encore also has a Web site and Facebook page, as well as a group page available to those who enter the weight loss challenge.  As of Monday, July 12 – the first official registration day – 40 individuals from throughout Harrison County had committed to the challenge.

 

“Our winners and past participants are recruiting family and friends and I think a lot of people are getting excited,” Veigel said.

 

Even West Virginia University President Gordon Gee expressed his best wishes to program participants in an email sent out Monday.

 

Those who want to lose at least 15% of their body weight can compete in The Biggest Loser competition. (Desired projected weight must fall in line with healthy recommended body weight chart.) Participants must complete a registration form, as well as a free body scan at Enliven Wellness in White Oaks, Bridgeport by July 23 and again between Nov. 15-19. The top three males and females will win $2,500, $2,000 and $1,500.

 

Those who want to lose 10% of their body weight can compete in the 10% Takedown. (Desired projected weight must fall in line with healthy recommended body weight chart.) Participants must complete a registration form and weigh in at either WV Fitness in Clarksburg or ProCare Pharmacy in Shinnston by July 23 and again Nov. 15-19. All who lose at least 10% of their body weight – including participants in The Biggest Loser challenge – will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $1,000 cash prizes.

 

“The prizes will be awarded just in time for the holidays,” Veigel said. “Who couldn’t use extra cash for shopping.”

 

The cash is a nice perk, said recent Biggest Loser winners Jeri Boher and Adam Elkins. But an even better reward is renewed health and fitness.

 

“My faith in God helped me to stay focused to improve my health so I can continue to serve where he wants me,” said Boher, who lost 60.6 pounds – 26.92% of her body weight.

 

Elkins, who lost 54.1 pounds – 22.57% of his body weight – is thankful he can be more active in the lives of his wife Jessica and kids Abigail and Alden.

 

“I plan to keep eating right and stay active. I am thankful for having a wife to support me and motivate me,” said Elkins about his wife Jessica, who actually entered the program alongside of him and successfully lost more than 10 percent of her own body weight.

 

Sign up for the weight loss challenges HERE at Health Games – The Encore – Web site.

 

Read about The Bridge to Health 5K Festival and the first round of weight loss challenges and all winners HERE.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured from top are Abby Veigel, Jeri Boher, Adam and Jessica Elkins.