FortBendNow.com

The City of Sugar Land is looking to reclaim the title of “Fittest City in Texas” for a fifth time in the past six years.

The annual effort is a part of the Texas Round-Up, a statewide program aimed at improving Texans’ health through exercise and a healthier lifestyle.

VYING FOR ‘FITTEST CITY’ CROWN – Shape Up Sugar Land recently held a kick-off event for the city’s effort to reclaim the crown as “Fittest City in Texas.” Pictured taking part in the event are, from left, Katelynn Crockett, Yogashri Pradham, Nathan Fu and Ashley Ngo.

During past Texas Round-Up efforts, Sugar Land won the title of “Fittest City in Texas” for its population group four years in a row. Last year, however, Huntsville, Cedar Park and Round Rock finished pushed the city out of the top spot.

This year, Councilman Michael Schiff said, Sugar Land is looking to reclaim the crown.

“The City of Sugar Land has set a New Year’s resolution to reclaim our title as the ‘Fittest City’ in our population category,” Schiff said during a Jan. 17 Texas Round-Up kickoff event.  “To achieve this goal, citizen participation is imperative.”

The Texas Round-Up is a statewide web-based effort that encourages Texans to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, five days a week.  Texas Round- Up events will be geared toward this year’s slogan, “Fit Texan, Fit Family and Fit Kid.”

“There are two crucial tips for the city to be successful this year,” said Terrie Gorney, Shape Up Sugar Land event coordinator. “When you sign onto the website, you must use the zip codes 77478 or 77479 to ensure the city receives credit for your physical activities. Texas Roundup doesn’t recognize 77498 yet, so be sure to use your old zip code.”

The second step, Gorney said, is to be certain everyone completes the six-week data entry program for recognition at the state level.  When participants complete the program, they receive a printable certificate from the Governor’s office. 

“Our hope is that the city vendors will start offering discounts for showing this certificate where they shop,” Gorney added. “To reclaim our title, it will take tremendous teamwork in our city.”

Any activity can count toward achieving activity goals, including children’s games, chores, walking or washing the car. People of all ages and physical levels can be involved.

To take part in Sugar Land’s fitness initiative, contact Nicole Volek of Shape Up Sugar Land at 832-771-2725.