City of DeBary Mayor's Fitness Challenge Helps Community Lose Weight

DEBARY, Fla., March 18, 2016 Twelve community members completed the City of DeBary's third annual Mayors Fitness Challenge. The challenge began on Jan. 6 and over 10-weeks, the group collectively lost 215 pounds and 66 inches.

We congratulate all of the participants who finished this challenge and wish them continued success in living a healthier lifestyle, said Jason Schaitz, City of DeBary recreation coordinator.

The Challenge was coordinated by volunteer trainer Melissa Norgart of WOW Health and Fitness.

During the challenges final event on March 12, participants received their biometric screenings to determine their percentage of body weight lost, courtesy of Florida Hospital Fish Memorial.

The top three challenge winners received prize money. In first place, Nicholas Garzon lost 21 percent of his body weight, shedding a total of 45.4 pounds and 8 inches. In second place, Carlos Cerrud lost 15 percent of his body weight, dropping a total of 30 pounds and 7 inches. In third place, Tabitha Jones lost 11 percent of her body weight, losing a total of 38.2 pounds and 7 inches.

On March 12 in Community Park in DeBary, participants celebrated the end of the challenge with a fun run, coordinated by Jennifer Florida and the West Volusia Runners. At the conclusion of the run, light refreshments were served, participants received gift bags provided by GNC Lake Mary, as well as a t-shirt. Several vendors and sponsors attended the event with free giveaways and information on fitness activities.

It was a great event. The weather was beautiful and it was nice to see all age groups getting involved, from the runners to the walkers, said Laura Anne Roemmelt, Florida Hospital Fish Memorial exercise physiologist and wellness center coordinator. All of the participants did a great job, and I'm very proud of each of them. I'm already looking forward to this event next year and helping our community get healthier. We enjoy seeing the results of all the hard work pay off! It is an inspiration to all.

About Florida Hospital Fish Memorial

Florida Hospital Fish Memorial is a member of Adventist Health System, a faith-based health care organization 44 hospital campuses and nearly 8,300 licensed beds in 10 states. With 175-beds, Florida Hospital Fish Memorial is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and provides exceptional, patient-focused care to the DeBary, Deltona, Orange City and Sanford communities. The hospitals freestanding outpatient facility, Deltona Health Park, offers a variety of services including p