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 of Michigan Fitness Foundation. “By recognizing and sharing their extraordinary stories, they influence us all to have a renewed vigor to make healthier choices. We invite citizens from across the state to join us at the MGM Grand on April 25 as we celebrate this year’s GFA finalists.”

Nominations from Michiganders began in September, 2018, and earlier this year GFA finalists were selected by a panel of judges from across the state. All finalists will be honored during a legislative reception at the Michigan State Capitol, followed by a gala celebration and announcement of Governor’s Fitness Award winners at MGM Grand Detroit on April 25, 2019.

The finalists are (in alphabetical order):

Active Community

• City of Huntington Woods
• City of Mackinac Island
• Waterford Charter Township

Active Senior

• Cynthia Erickson, Lansing
• Harrison Hensley, Pickney
• Michael Lemerise, Utica

Charles T. Kuntzleman – Accepting the Challenge

• Johnny and Jeff Agar, Rockford
• Gregory Barnier, Livonia
• Jackson Rahrig, Haslett

Conquering Obesity

• Douglas Church, East Lansing
• Debra Lawrence, Bay City
• Carlos Orosco, Zilwaukee

Director’s Champion for Health

• Lila Lazarus, Orchard Lake
• Kathy O’Mara, Brooklyn
• Mary Patay, Mackinac Island

Extraordinary Event or Organization

• Battle Creek Community Foundation – Operation Fit, Battle Creek
• League of Michigan Bicyclists, Lansing
• St. Clair County 4H & Youth Fair – Eat Your Ag, Goodells

Healthy Workplace

• Small/Medium
  • Edgewater Bank, St. Joseph
  • RPT Realty, Farmington Hills
  • Stevens Van Lines, Saginaw
• Large
  • Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), East Lansing
  • WK Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek
  • WW Group, Farmington Hills
• Very Large
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Detroit
  • Grand Valley State University, Allendale
  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor