Bolivar mayor wins governor's award for fitness, health leadership

Bolivar Mayor Charles Ealy was awarded the 2003 Western Division Governor's Fitness and Health Leadership Platinum Award by Gov. Bob Holden at a Feb. 17 ceremony.

Ealy's leadership in promoting his healthful Walk with the Mayor three times a week has won notice on MSNBC and in Newsweek.

The program was created after Ealy's family physician issued a stern warning to "exercise or place an order for a casket." When Ealy said he was too busy with meetings and phone calls to exercise, his doctor suggested combining exercise with those tasks.

Three times a week, 64-year-old Ealy takes residents and city workers on a walk through city parks and cemeteries, and he is considering pitching the idea to other mayors as a way to get city leaders together to discuss issues and to exercise.

"I am especially proud to recognize Mayor Ealy's success with his Walk with the Mayor program. Combining citizen participation in government with a healthy exercise activity is most commendable. He is a role model for us all," Holden said in a news release.

The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health sponsors the award program, which was started in 1995. It recognizes programs and activities that result in improved physical education, health or fitness.

"The council promotes its goals by implementing programs, fostering communication and cooperation and developing statewide support that will help the citizens of Missouri develop and maintain healthier lifestyles. We are proud of Mayor Ealy, who shares our goals," said Clark W. Hampton, chairman of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health.