The Flint drinking water contamination has been a community disaster like few others, creating immediate and future challenges for families. Many are asking, “What can I do to help? How can I stand with Flint?” In the year of its 40th anniversary, Crim Fitness Foundation is redoubling its efforts to create opportunities for all residents to lead healthy lives.
Proper nutrition and regular physical activity are two of the most important actions an individual can take to mitigate lead exposure. With the health and wellness of Flint’s residents more critical than ever, the Crim is taking unprecedented steps to reach out to all members of our community. For the first time ever, the $40,000 prize normally reserved for elite runners during the HealthPlus Crim Festival of Races will go toward race “scholarships” for Flint residents who may not otherwise afford to participate.
“We want to give everyone in Flint a chance to lead the healthiest life they can – especially in light of the water crisis and the impact it is having on local children and families. For nearly 40 years, the Crim has inspired thousands of people to be more active and healthy. By making the Crim an event that all Flint residents can be part of, no matter what their economic situation may be, we can further our mission to make health and wellness a top priority for everyone in our community,” says Crim Race Director, Andy Younger.
In the spirit of the Crim’s efforts to create a vibrant, active community, the “I Crim for Flint!” scholarship program will offer free registration to the HealthPlus Crim Festival of Races for at least 2,000 Flint residents. In addition, the Crim is offering all participants the opportunity to “pay it forward.” Any dollar amount donated above a racer’s registration fee will support additional scholarships, as well as the Crim’s year-round efforts to create a healthier Flint and Genesee County through nutrition, physical activity and mindfulness programs and advocacy efforts.
Since its inception in 1977, every Crim participant has helped the organization make Flint a healthier place. Each year, 100 percent of the Crim’s race proceeds go to support year-round health and wellness initiatives throughout Flint and Genesee County – including physical activity, nutrition, garden and mindfulness education, training programs and advocacy and policy efforts.
For Younger, the HealthPlus Crim Festival of Races is a chance to show to the world the resilience of residents, activists and organizations working to create a healthier Flint and the goodwill of individuals stepping up to help the city.
“This is our way of letting everyone know that we are there for them when it comes to the health of the community, today and for years to come,” says Younger. “It’s our investment in helping people in this city have fun, feel strong and celebrate the health and vitality of Flint.”
