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Lose weight -- gain $5,000

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Turtle Mountain Tribe offering cash prize to winner of 'transformation'

Searching for that extra motivation to shed those unwanted pounds many of us pack on after all the holiday feasting? Look no further. The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa is offering a major reason to lose weight and get on the road to healthier lifestyles through diet and exercise.

Any tribal member interested in taking part in the "Turtle Mountain Total Body Transformation and Weight Loss Challenge" can win up to $5,000 if he or she makes the best overall transformation. There will be four different age divisions (male and female) with many cash awards in which to compete, starting at 12 years old and up to the elderly who want to get healthy and fit.

The contest will be geared towards the goal of decreasing obesity and diabetes on the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation. The "Transformation and Challenge" will begin during the registration period of Jan. 4-15, 2010 and officially end on June 25th. A mandatory weigh-in and BMI (body mass index) measurement must be completed at the beginning and ending weeks of the competition.

Vincent McCloud Jr., a tribal councilman who stated he is a strong advocate for better health among the tribal population, has been helping to coordinate the "Transformation and Challenge." Councilman McCloud says the purpose of the first-ever body transformation contest is inspired by the goal of engaging a large number of tribal members as possible in a six-month long journey to better health and fitness.

The competition will have four categories with cash prizes totaling $20,000 for both male and female divisions (ages 12-17, 18-35, 36-55 and 56 and older). There is a grand prize of $5,000 for the overall champion. For each of the eight different divisions, there is a $1,000 first prize and a $250 cash prize for second place.

"A lot of our entities are willing to help out in some way," said McCloud. "The fitness centers are both going to be active in supporting this effort to get people healthy. It could be the beginning of saving someone's life. That's what we mean by transformation. Even if a person doesn't win the competition and a cash prize, there's no price that can be put on good health. So whoever participates comes out a winner in this. We'll advertise the challenge in our local newspapers, radio station, hospitals, businesses, and church bulletins to get the word out. We're going to also create a magazine with the 'before and after' photos, testimonials, results and the participants' methods for getting their best results. Our motto in this health-oriented project is that 'Everybody Wins.' The grand finale will be held on June 25 at the Turtle Mountain Community College Auditorium."

Tribal Diabetes Prevention Program Director and nutritionist Cynthia Allery stated she and her staff welcome such a beneficial project.

"This competition will enable our diabetes prevention program to continue working with the community in our fight against diabetes and obesity," Allery noted. "Our diabetes prevention program will also have the opportunity to work on an individual basis with community members who join the competition to develop a structured and well-balanced diet. We feel this is an admirable step in helping to find ways to alleviate diabetes and weight problems among our people. I believe that the entire community is excited for this competition to begin." For more information, contact the Turtle Mountain Fitness Center in Belcourt at 477-6601 or the Tribal Diabetes Prevention Program at 477-0060.

"Even if a person doesn't win the competition and a cash prize, there's no price that can be put on good health. So whoever participates comes out a winner in this."

Vincent McCloud Jr., tribal councilman



Copyright 2009 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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