Physical Fitness In The Spotlight At State Fair

Physical fitness received a big boost at the Illinois State Fair in August as the Springfield Park District and the Governor's Council on Health and Physical Fitness teamed up to win the Governor's Trophy for the best float in the state fair parade. Theme of the float, a part of which featured a runner on a treadmill provided by the Council, was "Getting Physical."

In addition, the Council's booth at the Governor's Tent at the State Fair, distributed hundreds of pamphlets on fitness and health and demonstrated fitness with a treadmill. The booth called attention to the Governor's proclamation of October 26th as "Illinois Employee Fitness Day." Jim Liston, executive director of the Council, said that 50,000 public and private sector employees are expected to take part in the annual event, which will stress noonhour group walks and other forms of exercise that day and stress regular exercise.

Abe's Amble, a 10,000 meter race on August 21, the final day of the fair, concluded the promotion of physical fitness. The run was co-sponsored by Illinois Park and Recreation Association, the Springfield Park District, the Springfield Recreation Department, the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, and other organizations.

Sam Dorman (forefront), a 77-year-old Springfield resident and an active member of the Senior Olympics, demonstrates jogging on a treadmill at the state fair booth of the Governor's Council on Health and Physical Fitness. George Rudis monitors his performance on treadmill panel.

Genny Kaufman, Rochester, Ill., won the woman's division of the 10,000 meter Abe's Amble race August 21 at the Illinois State Fair with a time of 37 minutes and 14.7 seconds. Kaufman is shown receiving a trophy from County Fair Queen Cheryl Hill. An out-of-state runner won first in the Men's Division.

The Springfield Park District's float featuring the theme, "Getting Physical," won the Governor's Trophy in the State Fair parade. A portion of the float contained an exhibit of the Governor's Council on Health and Physical Fitness showing a runner on a treadmill (front part of float).

Illinois Parks and Recreation    48   September/October 1983