News - Michigan Fitness Foundation

Opportunity Rising: Joe Louis Greenway

The City of Detroit moved the transportation world from four hooves to four wheels during the 20th century and now the Motor City has another focus in the 21st – vibrant and accessible public spaces that promote physical activity. Creating accessible open spaces like greenways, parks and trails is good for public health. From an …

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Michigan Trails Fund Grant Awards Announcement

The Michigan Trails Fund (formerly known as the Iron Belle Trail Fund) announced today the awarding of 7 grants totaling over $1.3 million in private funds for regional, non-motorized recreation trail projects located throughout Michigan. These private funds will leverage matching dollars of over $15.5 million in mainly public funding. "We are very excited to …

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Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run – A Destination Race

Lansing, Mich -- Michigan Fitness Foundation’s annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run (Bridge Run) is the only running event on the Mackinac Bridge. Drawing runners from around the globe, the run takes place on Monday, September 5. High above the Straits of Mackinac with views of the bridge towers over blue-green waters where Lake Michigan …

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MDOT and Michigan Fitness Foundation reminds motorists to be alert as clocks “fall back” on Sunday

As the clocks "fall back" to standard time on Sunday, Nov. 7, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Michigan Fitness Foundation reminds motorists to watch out for pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists each evening on the drive home. Motorists also should allow a minimum 3-foot distance when passing a bicyclist, according to state law. …

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Walk to School Day and ACES Lace Up Together

LANSING, MI — Michigan students will be joining schoolchildren from around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day (W2SD) on Wednesday, October 6. Coordinated by the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program staff, over 300 schools across the state sign up to participate annually. This year, they have also …

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The Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run Returns

After a year off due to the pandemic, the wait to run the Mighty Mac is finally over. Runners are ready to lace up their shoes, raise their pulse, and run to the finish. The Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run is known as a bucket-list run. Holding title as the longest suspension bridge in the …

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Video Retrospective Highlights the Evolution of Michigan’s Governor’s Fitness Awards

Lansing, Mich — Since 2007, Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports (Council) have held the Governor’s Fitness Awards (GFA) to recognize Michigan communities, organizations, and individuals who inspire healthy choices. Held each spring with a legislative and gala event, hundreds gather to celebrate those who have given their all to be healthy, while giving back to their …

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Governor Whitmer Announces Appointments to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

Lansing, Mich — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports pursuant to Executive Order No. 1992-05. “We look forward to working with our new council members and welcome back those who have been reappointed” shared CEO and President Amy Ghannam, Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor’s …

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Michigan Students Get Moving on Bike to School Day

Lansing, Mich -- Michigan students from around the state, along with their parents, teachers, and community leaders, will join students around the country for Bike to School Day (B2SD) on May 5th. Organized by the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program staff in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), this …

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Michigan Farm to Family: CSA Provides Access to Farm Fresh Food

Lansing, Mich -- The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) a Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) grant to scale up their successful Michigan Farm to Family: CSA (MF2FCSA) pilot program. GusNIP projects bring stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system together to foster understanding that improves …

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Michigan Fitness Foundation Receives Recognition for Encouraging Health and Fitness

By providing valuable guidance, giving people ways to stay active and get fit, Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) has been named one of the top five Great Organizations Encouraging Health and Fitness by Wiki Ezvid, the world’s video wiki. Founded in 2011, Ezvid Wiki was the world's first video wiki, and is now among the top …

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Michigan Students Walk and Wheel Throughout October

Michigan students will be joining schoolchildren from around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day (W2SD) on Wednesday, October 7. This year’s theme, “Walk and Bike to the Beat” – encourages students, parents, teachers, and community leaders to engage in fun, themed activities on their school commute or if distance learning, around their …

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Governor’s Fitness Award Winners Revealed

On Thursday, August 20, for the first time, the Governor’s Fitness Awards were held as a virtual event. “With the pandemic, we couldn’t hold our gala and looked for a new way to present the awards to our fellow Michiganders,” shared Amy Ghannam, President and CEO of Michigan Fitness Foundation. “By expanding the interviews filmed …

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Governor’s Fitness Awards Move to Virtual Celebration

Governor's Fitness Awards finalists will be recognized with a special video premiere on the Michigan Fitness Foundation YouTube channel. Due to the pandemic, the Governor’s Fitness Awards (GFA) have been rescheduled as a virtual awards celebration on Thursday, August 20. The show will premiere at 8:00 p.m. on the Michigan Fitness Foundation YouTube channel. Nominations …

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Front Street - Photo Credit - Downtown Traverse City Association - 002

Sidewalks, Social Distancing and Solutions

With the arrival of summer, Michiganders are preparing to spend more time together in the great outdoors. The closure of gyms, and wellness event cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also given rise to more people using recreation amenities. As a result, parks, trails, downtowns, and neighborhoods have seen an increase in foot and …

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Man smiling, walking across a street holding a laptop

Proposals Wanted for Pedestrian Safety Education Campaign

Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), is seeking proposals for a pedestrian safety education campaign in Southeast Michigan (SE MI), where pedestrian crashes are highest in the state. The project will engage three SE MI communities as pilot sites for the campaign with the goal to: Educate Michigan …

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Staying Active and Socially Distant

According to guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, outdoor activities like running, hiking, cycling are fine to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic as long as you stay socially distant from others and avoid groups. “Exercise is essential for physical and mental well-being,” shares Michigan Fitness Foundation CEO & President, Amy Ghannam. “Being active can make …

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Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. Willie R. Burton, of Bloomfield Hills, is a high school athletics program associate for the Detroit Public Schools Community District and a former professional basketball player with the National Basketball Association (NBA). He holds a Bachelor of …

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Move More In The Month Of May

MFF and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) are launching Walk and Wheel Wednesdays to give Michigan families opportunities for healthy and fun outdoor activity. Beginning May 6, families are invited to be active by spending at least 20 minutes outside every Wednesday. This includes walking, bicycling, hiking or other outdoor activities with individuals from the …

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Safe Routes to School Regional Trainings

Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Safe Route to Schools (SRTS) program team is adapting to meet the needs of communities as Michiganders follow the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. SRTS regional trainings that were scheduled as in-person events have been transitioned to virtual formats. SRTS regional trainings are …

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The World’s Largest Exercise Class On ACES Day

Lansing, Mich -- Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) is providing fun resources for families to continue the tradition of ACES Day during the COVID-19 pandemic. MFF and Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan invite families to participate virtually in Project ACES - All Children Exercise Simultaneously Day (ACES) Wednesday, May 6. Since 1989, millions of children from …

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Coronavirus: Michigan Fitness Foundation Response

Dear Michigan Fitness Foundation Community, As state and federal leaders are declaring states of emergency due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) is committed to doing our part to both deter the spread of coronavirus and to provide strategic support to MFF staff, partners, grantees, and the communities we serve. Please note the …

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Governor’s Fitness Awards Finalists Revealed

Michigan State Capitol at Night by Pattrick Yockey Presented by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation, the Governor’s Fitness Awards (GFA) recognize communities, organizations, and individuals who inspire people to eat healthy and move more. Nominations from Michiganders began last fall, and earlier this year GFA finalists …

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Introducing the MFF SNAP-Ed Community Impact Grants

Based on partner organizations’ feedback and the evolution of requirements at USDA, the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) has redesigned our SNAP-Ed grantmaking structure for FY 2021. The MFF SNAP-Ed Community Impact Grants are intended to influence positive change in individual health behaviors and in the policies, systems, and environments that impact access to affordable healthy …

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Who Motivates You to be Healthier?

Presented by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation, the Governor’s Fitness Awards (GFA) nomination process is now open. The GFA recognizes communities, organizations, and individuals who inspire people to eat healthily and move more where they live, work, and play. A panel of judges selects eligible nominees. …

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Happy Birthday Mighty Mac!

Lansing, Mich – Today is the birthday of the Mackinac Bridge and Michigan Fitness Foundation is celebrating by officially opening the registration for the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run. Holding title as the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere, the Mackinac Bridge took three years to build and opened to vehicle traffic on November …

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Michigan Students Go Wild for Walk to School Day

LANSING, MI — Michigan students will be joining schoolchildren from around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day (W2SD) on Wednesday, October 2. This year’s theme, “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” – encourages students, parents, teachers, and community leaders to engage in fun, themed activities on their school commute. Nearly 300 …

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Safe Routes to School Training Comes to Detroit and Ludington

LANSING, MI — Michigan Fitness Foundation Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is offering two regional trainings; in Detroit on August 27, and in Ludington on August 29. Safe Routes to School is an international movement and federal program to make it safe, convenient, and fun …

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The MSU Spartan mascot exercising with a large group of children

Michigan Children Exercise with the World!

Lansing, Mich -- On May 1 at 10:00 a.m. EST over 300,000 Michigan students participated in the "the world's largest exercise class,” along with millions of children around the world on ACES Day to promote health and fitness. ACES, short for All Children Exercise Simultaneously, was founded in 1989 by New Jersey physical education teacher …

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer To Speak at Governor’s Fitness Awards in Detroit

Lansing, MI – On April 25, 2019 the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports' annual Governor’s Fitness Awards (GFA) will feature remarks from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The Governor’s Fitness Awards recognize communities, organizations, and individuals who inspire healthy choices. “I look forward to celebrating these extraordinary Michiganders and …

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The Best ACES/B2SD Poster Wins a Bike

Michigan K-8 graders are invited to submit a 2019 ACES & B2SD Poster Contest entry, with the first place winner receiving a bicycle courtesy of Farm Bureau Insurance! Have your student draw up a poster on 8.5 x 11-inch paper showing how getting moving can "Make It Magic!" Follow the instructions outlined and submit a completed ACES & …

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Martha Reeves to Receive Governor’s Fitness Award

Lansing, Mich -- Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports (the Council) will honor Martha Reeves with the Remarkable Woman Award at the annual Governor’s Fitness Awards. The first award of its kind, this award recognizes those rare individuals who, over a lifetime, have made remarkable contributions in …

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Dale Hughes to Receive 2019 Vern Seefeldt Lifetime Achievement Award

Lansing, Mich -- Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports (the Council) will honor Dale Hughes with the Vern Seefeldt Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Governor’s Fitness Awards. Named after its first recipient Vern Seefeldt, the first chairman of the Council, this award recognizes those rare individuals …

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ACES & Bike to School Day Poster Contest: Make It Magic!

The ACES & B2SD Poster Contest Is Here

Michigan students in grades K-8 are invited to take part in the 2019 ACES & B2SD Poster Contest brought to you by Farm Bureau Insurance. On 8.5 x 11-inch paper, students are encouraged to get excited about being active and interpret this year’s theme: The first-place winner will receive a bicycle courtesy of Farm Bureau Insurance! …

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MFF SNAP-Ed FY 2020 Request for Proposals (RFP) Now Open

The Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) invites new and returning partners to submit a proposal for programming to increase healthy eating and physical activity among Michigan’s at-risk populations.

Governor’s Fitness Awards Finalists Revealed

The Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports present the annual Governor’s Fitness Awards (GFA), which recognize individuals and organizations for inspirational contributions to health and wellness in Michigan. “Each year, we look forward to introducing the GFA finalists to our fellow Michiganders,” shares Amy Ghannam, President and CEO …

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Longtime Representative John Dingell Passes Away

We at the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports are saddened by the loss of former U.S. Representative John Dingell who passed away on February 7, 2019. Dingell was a friend and longtime ally in the pursuit of creating a healthier Michigan. His 59-year tenure as a representative …

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Governors Fitness Awards – Celebrating Successes in Our Great State

A Michigan woman shedding literally half her body weight, losing 140 pounds through walking and biking. A young Michigan man born with one club hand becoming a college baseball pitcher. A 102-year-old Michigan man competing — and medaling — in the Senior Olympics. These are just a few of the true stories celebrated by the …

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The Long and Short Term Benefits of Being Physically Active

The world is a complex place and there aren't many "magic bullet" solutions for anything. In the world of public health and disease prevention, however, physical activity may be the next best thing. The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently published their report on physical …

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ACES – Bringing Children Together to Instill a Love for Exercise

The first Wednesday of every May, millions of children worldwide celebrate physical activity in unison. Although separated geographically, millions of kids run, walk, dance, or play active games all at the same time. This is ACES day — All Children Exercise Simultaneously. We hear more and more how physical activity can change lives for the …

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Celebrate Cars & Cardio at the Auto Show 5K

Revel in all things cars and cardio! Join the Michigan Fitness Foundation, Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, and Crim Fitness Foundation for the 7th annual Auto Show 5K Run/Walk on Detroit’s Dequindre Cut (Saturday, January 19). The Auto Show 5K helps celebrate the opening of the North American International Auto Show and …

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Active Senior Award winner, Fred Winter, do push ups on stage at the GFA Gala.

Governor’s Fitness Awards Nomination Deadline Extended

The Michigan Fitness Foundation's Governor's Fitness Awards (GFA) nomination deadline has been extended to January 3, 2019. The GFAs honor inspirational individuals and organizations for their pursuit, commitment, and dedication to health and wellness. By extending the deadline, the GFA Committee offers Michigan residents and employers the unique opportunity to participate in the nomination process …

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Grant Application Opportunity for Community Organizations Now Open

The Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) invites community partners to submit an application for programming to increase healthy eating and physical activity among populations eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). MFF provides capacity‐building opportunities for new organizations to expand the reach of SNAP Education through the Building Local Capacity RFA and provides opportunities for experienced …

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Who Inspires You to Be Healthier?

We need your help! Each year at this time, we ask Michiganders to help us nominate communities, organizations, and individuals that inspire healthy choices for the Governor's Fitness Awards. Nominations are now and anyone can nominate an individual or organization now through January 3, 2019. Categories include: Charles T. Kuntzleman Accepting the Challenge Active Community …

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Gov. Rick Snyder Makes Appointments, Re-appointments to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

Governor Rick Snyder today announced the appointments to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports of Wayman Britt of Grand Rapids, Rick Ferkel of Mount Pleasant, Cameron Gordon of West Bloomfield, Andre Hutson of East Lansing, Nicholas (Nick) Payne of Lansing, and Laureen (Laurie) Rospond of DeWitt. Also announced were the reappointment of …

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Michigan Fitness Foundation Welcomes New President and CEO

On September 5, 2018, Amy Ghannam will join the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) as President and CEO. Ms. Ghannam joins MFF with more than 15 years of experience in finance, marketing, and communication leadership in both the banking and nonprofit sectors. Amy received her BA from Michigan State University, her MBA from St. Leo University …

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Students Ride Together for Bike to School Day

More than 175 schools in Michigan will join students around the country in observing the 7th Annual Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 9th. Thousands of Michigan students, along with their parents, teachers, and community leaders, are expected to participate. Wednesday's event is organized by the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) and the Safe Routes …

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Michigan Legislature to Recognize Governor’s Fitness Award Finalists at State Capitol

The finalists for the Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Governor’s Fitness Awards will be honored during a morning event on April 19 at the state Capitol in Lansing. Award winners will be announced during a gala event at the Cobo Center in Detroit in the evening of April 19. The gala will also feature special recognition of Detroit Tigers …

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Request for Proposals Now Open

The Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) invites new and returning partners to submit a proposal for programming to increase healthy eating and physical activity among Michigan’s at-risk populations. MFF facilitates the development of effective, high-quality nutrition education and physical activity programming, focusing on people eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Visit the Michigan Nutrition Network site to …

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Guest Blog from Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley: Relentless Positive Traction 5k Impact

Over the last 4 years, the State Employee 5K has brought together state employees while making a difference in the community.

Walk to School Day

More than 300 schools in Michigan will join students around the country to celebrate Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 4.