Brownsville kicks off The Challenge RGV to promote wellness

BROWNSVILLE. Texas – Studies show that most New Year’s resolutions don’t last long even though some people swear they will follow through.

But what about losing weight and making $1,000 if a goal is reached at about four months later?

Particularly, if a person’s loses anywhere from six percent or eight percent of his or her body weight.

That might sound like a far-fetched idea but it’s not as a program, called The Challenge-RGV, is kicking off this week with the purpose to promote wellness and a healthy lifestyle.

The initiative was announced Wednesday, Jan., 8, and is a joint program of the Cities of Brownsville and Edinburg, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and numerous community partners.

The idea is not to motivate people to just lose weight per se but to reduce the high rates of chronic related health issues.

The challenge is open to anyone 18 years of age and older and it will kick off this Saturday, Jan.. 11, at Brownsville’s Linear Park.

Anyone willing to participate must register either at the park from 9 a.m. to noon during the Saturday Farmers Market or online at go-uth.edu/TheChallenge-RGV.

There is no fee to enter.

Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., discusses The Challenge RGV. (Photo credit: City of Brownsville)

A grand finale will be held April 26 at the Brownsville park and on April 26 at Edinburg City Hall Courtyard.

The name of each participant who loses the stipulated body weight will go into a computerized raffle system and three of them will be chosen for $1,000 prize each. 

There will also numerous giveaways for large and small groups and individuals and is worth mentioning that the winners must be present to claim the prizes.

Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., and City-at-Large Commissioner Rose Gowen urged people to join the challenge and to jump onto the healthy band wagon.

“We are not encouraging weight loss but the importance of having healthy communities,” Cowen said. “We have parks, walking trails that connect people.”

Gowen said people have lost thousands of pounds during the 16 years the program has been active.

In addition to the participants, area gyms and restaurants are also part of the endeavor in an effort to motivate people to say fit and to eat healthy.

The RGV Challenge was known as The Biggest Losers but its name was changed recently to reflect the idea from a different perspective.

The Challenge RGV logo. (Photo credit: City of Brownsville)

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