Ever wanted to get them to do something about it… but weren’t sure how? Or you failed on your last five attempts!

Well, at the risk of being accused of self-promotion, we have worked on something pretty cool with our clients at ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola that I have to bring to your attention.

It’s called Sogo Active and as the web site says… It’s the Sickest Way to Live Healthy!

Go ahead, log onto www.sogoactive.com, Its not what you would expect. It’s pretty funky and I think a big departure from your classic fitness website.

This initiative is booked for five years and each year will feature a different incentive program for youth. Kids who participate in Sogo Active have an opportunity to be selected as an Olympic torchbearer for the 2010 Games. There are 1,300 spots to reward kids with, so this isn’t some “long odds” competition.

If you want to get involved, but you’re not 13-19, you can become a community host through any affiliations you have with a local sports association, school, fitness club, or whatever!

So get out and pass the word. Let me know if you do and if you have any questions. Sure I want to see the program do well… but the bottom line is, as someone who struggles with their weight, despite daily exercise on my part, I want to see us have a fitter country. And it starts with young people.

Want proof. I have told many of you the story of Simon, the quarterback on my Lawrence Park football team that I coach. Well in 2007, Simon was a 5’8” – 257 lb block of rubber! I made him play center despite his desire to be a QB.  However, I told him… lose 50 pounds and I will give you a shot. Well Simon started working out, skipping the odd snack, and reducing his fast food intake to something reasonable. Next thing you know he showed up fifty pounds lighter in September 2008, and had one of the best seasons at QB I have ever seen.

Just last week Simon told me he went for a 10k jog. This is a 17-year old who once couldn’t run a lap of the field!

Stories like Simon’s are my true motivation. By the way, Simon is signed up for Sogo Active as well.

So? Go!