Commit2BFit A Huge Success for Panthers

More than 600 South Florida-area children took part in the Florida Panthers Foundation's Commit 2B Fit program on the Spirit Airlines Funway before the Panthers-Tampa Bay game at the BankAtlantic Center on Saturday, April 1.

"The Panthers Foundation recognizes that health & fitness is an important part of every child's life," said Vice President of Community Development Randy Moller. "For that reason, the Commit 2B Fit program continues to be one of our most important and successful events."

Hosted by the Panthers Foundation, the Florida Department of Citrus, Beasley Marketing Group, BankAtlantic, and the Broward County School Board, the fitness awareness event was an opportunity to take part in a series of fun, athletic activities. In addition to the 600 children, Over 1,400 Panthers fans participated in the activities as well.

Children earned a special Commit 2B Fit charm for competing in various activities, including the Athletic Academy's Obstacle Course, jump rope and a climbing rock wall. In addition, dieticians and nutritionists were on site to answer questions about how families can make the transition to healthy living.

"On behalf of the Commit 2B Fit program and our presenting sponsor, the Florida Department of Citrus, we would like to thank the Florida Panthers for hosting such a tremendous event," said Susan Hunt, Senior Account Executive for Commit 2B Fit. "Close to 800 kids went through the Commit 2B Fit exhibition and participated in the various activities which far exceeded our expectations. The smiles from both the children and their parents were evident as they learned that staying fit can be FUN. We look forward to the opportunity to do more events like this in the future."

Commit 2B Fit is a children's health initiative to encourage better nutrition and increased physical activity. With fun ideas and simple solutions for kids and families to get active and suggestions for great tasting snacks and fast, nutritious meals, the website, www.commit2bfit.org is designed as a resource for parents, teens, and kids to help them maintain and begin a healthy lifestyle.

The next Panthers Foundation event is the "Shirts Off Our Backs" night when the Florida Panthers play the Atlanta Thrashers on Tuesday, April 18 at the BankAtlantic Center. During the game fans will bid through a silent auction for the chance to go down to the Panthers bench and receive an autographed game worn jersey from a Panthers player.

The player will literally take the jersey off his back, autograph it and take a photo with the winning fan. All the money collected goes directly to the Sun-Sentinel Children's Fund, part of the McCormick Tribune Foundation that provides grants to more than 148 non-profit organizations in South Florida annually.

For information on Panthers Foundation initiatives, please call Dave Arias at 954-835-7728.