GLOUCESTER — Cape Ann Mass in Motion is launching the Walk the Loop. Circle the Cape 2021 Walking Challenge and encourages community members age 65 and up to participate.
The challenge is sponsored by Cape Ann Mass in Motion along with Cape Ann Seniors on the GO and SeniorCare, Inc., as well as the Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester and Essex Councils on Aging (COA).
“This is a great way to motivate older residents in surrounding communities to get outdoors and be more active, especially before colder weather arrives,” said Mass in Motion Grant Coordinator Jennifer Donnelly. “Walking is fun and supports both mental and physical health. We strongly encourage community members to join and walk, roll or stroll their way through this challenge.”
The challenge begins Sept. 1 and ends Oct. 31. To sign up, residents must call or make an in-person visit to their local COA. The Gloucester COA can be reached at 978-281-9765, Rockport at 978-546-2573, Manchester at 978-526-7500 and Essex at 978-768-7932.
Participants will be provided with a free walking journal to track their progress. The journal includes helpful information about milestone badges, local walking options, safety tips and walking health benefits. Residents can pick up a walking journal at their local COA, or request to have one sent to them by mail. Residents can access the walking journal online here.
As walkers reach milestones, they are encouraged to stop by their local COA for a sticker to commemorate their accomplishments. All participants are encouraged to submit their walking journal to their local COA at the end of the challenge to enter a prize raffle for the chance to win pedometers and walking poles.
Additionally, Cape Ann Seniors on the GO provides free transportation for all residents age 65 and up to Gloucester Boulevard to walk each Tuesday morning. For more information and to reserve a seat, Gloucester and Rockport residents should call the Cape Ann Transit Authority (CATA) at 978-283-7916. Manchester and Essex residents should call the Manchester Council on Aging at 978-526-7500 for more information and to reserve a seat.
Local businesses or organizations interested in obtaining walking journals to hand out should contact Cape Ann Seniors on the GO Program Assistant Rosalie Nicastro at 978-325-5275 or rnicastro@gloucester-ma.gov.
About Cape Ann Mass in Motion
Cape Ann Mass in Motion is led by the Gloucester Health Department and is part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program. Mass in Motion is a statewide movement to prevent obesity and increase opportunities for healthy eating and active living in places that residents work, live and play.
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