The second annual SOFit Challenge is underway and it’s looking like a lot of locals will be losing weight and getting fit.
Making the program more exciting this year: Two of the 150 Maplewood and South Orange residents who signed up for the four-month challenge have raised the stakes with a little wagering.
South Orange Village President Sheena Collum and newly minted Maplewood Committeeman Greg Lembrich have a friendly bet going: After each weigh-in (based on percentage lost), the “loser” must make a $50 donation to the winner’s choice of a nonprofit organization serving South Orange or Maplewood or both. (Email your suggestions to villagegreennj@gmail.com!)
Collum is already talking trash about Lembrich.
“A little competition between the two towns is healthy — no pun intended,” said Collum, “and I’m looking forward to raising money for great causes and taking down Township Committeeman Greg Lembrich who doesn’t stand a chance. I’m ready to show Maplewood just how buff of a Village President I am.”
Lembrich didn’t take the bait, instead opting for the sneaky “mutual support” tactic in order to get Collum to let down her guard (but not her weight):
“For both Sheena and me, 2015 was the year to win and 2016 is the year to lose. Even though we’re competing against one another, we’ll be supporting each other to reach our goals. We’ll get fitter, show that the two towns can achieve results together, and help some deserving local organizations, so everyone will win. Game on.”
Village Green will report the results after each weigh-in.
SOFit16 invites community residents to participate in a 4-month event that promotes and supports healthy living. Participants devise their own fitness and wellness program with the support of motivational classes, programs and activities to be offered throughout the duration of the event. Weigh-ins will take place on the 3rd Thursday of the month (the first weigh-in was January 21). The final weigh-in will take place on May 19. Weigh-ins are optional but required for participation in weight-loss awards with winners determined based on the percentage of body weight loss.
Businesses interested in offering prizes and/or promotions to contestants can submit here.
Find out more about the 2016 South Orange Health & Fitness Challenge at southorangefitness.org.
