New York Road Runners CEO Mary Wittenberg at White House

Wittenberg discusses NYRR's leading-edge programs to fight childhood obesity

NEW YORK - New York Road Runners (NYRR) president and CEO Mary Wittenberg will be at the White House on Friday, April 9, 2010 to participate in a summit on childhood obesity hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama. The summit is an opportunity for the President's Task Force on Childhood Obesity to hear from experts and practitioners about the extent and causes of childhood obesity in the country and to gather input for its action plan to solve the problem within a generation, which is due to the President in May.

"The statistics on childhood obesity are shocking and is a problem that affects us all," said Wittenberg. "At New York Road Runners, we are committed to getting kids running and active. Everyday we are working to equip teachers and volunteers with the skills they need to engage their students in fun, goal-oriented health and fitness programs."

The summit will focus on the four objectives laid out by President Obama: ensuring access to healthy, affordable food; increasing physical activity in schools and communities; providing healthier food in schools; and empowering parents with information and tools to make good choices for themselves and their families.

"The First Lady's Let's Move campaign is taking a multi-faceted approach to tackling the crisis we face," continued Wittenberg. "It will increase opportunities for our kids to be active while offering their parents and schools the support and tools they need to make healthy choices on their behalf. We look forward to working with organizations and individuals from across the country to combat childhood obesity."

New York Road Runners is committed to turning the tide against obesity and diabetes. A leader in school-based running programs, NYRR hosts a variety of youth programs - including Mighty Milers and Young Runners - that foster healthy, fit, and motivated kids by bringing free and low-cost running programs to schools and community centers and servicing close to 100,000 children in over 400 schools and community centers around New York City, the nation and the world.