LANSING, Mich. - nvtip -- Presented by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation, the Governor's Fitness Awards (GFA) recognize communities, organizations, and individuals who inspire people to eat healthy and move more. Nominations from Michiganders began last fall, and earlier this year GFA finalists were selected by a panel of judges from across the state.

The finalists are:

Charles T. Kuntzleman Accepting the Challenge Award

• Caleb Conklin, Newaygo
• Lottie Ferguson, Mount Morris
• Jason Parks, Holland

Active Community Award

• City of Kalamazoo
• City of Mackinac Island
• City of Traverse City

Director's Champion of Health Award

• Regina Hardy, Detroit
• JoAnn McCollum, Ypsilanti
• Bob Wilson, Okemos

Extraordinary Organization Award

• Operation Fit, Battle Creek
• Project Healthy Schools – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• Team GUTS, Ferndale

Heath Star Award

• Amy DiStefano, Ira
• Tameka Kelly, Redford
• Matt Laura, Jackson

Healthy Workplace Award
Large Workplace

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• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Detroit
• Lacks Enterprises, Inc, Kentwood
• Spectrum Health Lakeland, St. Joseph

Medium Workplace

• Bell's Brewery, Galesburg
• Chem-Trend, Howell
• Lansing Board of Water and Light, Lansing

Small Workplace

• 44North, Cadillac
• Sturgis Fire and Police Departments, Sturgis
• Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP), Marquette

Outstanding Event Award

• Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games, Flint
• Livonia Parkrun, Livonia
• Meijer State Games of Michigan, Grand Rapids

Perennial Award

• Brian and Dorie Barkey, Flint
• Elizabeth Burt, Ann Arbor
• Fred Price, Livonia

Vern Seefeldt Lifetime Achievement Award

• Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom

Dr. Wisdom was appointed the nation's First State-level Surgeon General in 2003. In 2012, she was appointed by President Obama to serve on the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion and Integrative and Public Health. Since 1987, Dr. Wisdom has been on the faculty of University of Michigan (UM) Medical School's Department of Medical Education and adjunct professor in the UM School of Public Health. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Community Health & Equity, Chief Wellness & Diversity Officer for Henry Ford Health System where she focuses on health disparities/health care equity, infant mortality/maternal and child health, chronic disease, unintended pregnancy, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and tobacco use.

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"Each year, we look forward to introducing the GFA finalists to our fellow Michiganders," shares Amy Ghannam, President and CEO of Michigan Fitness Foundation. "By recognizing and sharing their extraordinary stories, they influence us all to have a renewed vigor to make healthier choices."

On April 23, Dr. Wisdom and GFA finalists will be recognized at a morning Legislative Reception at the State Capitol, and at an evening gala at the historic Gem Theatre in Downtown Detroit. The GFA gala is open to the public. Ticket proceeds from the gala support Michigan Fitness Foundation's mission to promote healthy eating, physical activity and more for millions of Michigan residents in every county throughout the year, including;

• Statewide Nutrition and Physical Activity Education
• Safe Routes to School
• Pure Michigan Fitness Series
• All Children Exercise Simultaneously Day (ACES Day)
• Bike to School Day
• Walk to School Day
• Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run

Michigan Fitness Foundation supports and builds collaborative partnerships to improve the overall health of Michiganders where they live, learn, work, and play.

To learn more, purchase tickets or sponsor the awards, visit https://michiganfitness.org/events/governors-fitness-awards.