LEWISTON – Healthy Androscoggin gathered for the third annual Get Fit and Win closing event at the Bates College amphitheater on June 2. Many of the 938 participants in the eight-week physical activity incentive program and Healthy Androscoggin volunteers gathered to celebrate their physical activity accomplishments.

The crowd listened to speaker Bob Brainerd, director of Central Maine Medical Center’s Health and Wellness Services, turn the words Get Fit and Win into a motivating acronym to encourage participants to stay off the couch and keep moving.

Cash prizes were drawn for three winners. Bonnie Galway walked away with $250 and Aaron Simard plans to use his winnings, $500, to help pay for college. The big winner, Jennifer Mason, couldn’t believe that she won $1,000 for doing something that made her feel so good.

She said, “Walking for only half an hour a day with my buddy at lunch helped me to lose 10 pounds. I always thought losing weight was something that had to be accomplished all at once, but Bob inspired me. All it takes is making small goals.”

Area businesses donated door prizes for the raffle.

Get Fit and Win is sponsored by Healthy Androscoggin, Central Maine Medical Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Healthy Androscoggin is funded by the Fund for a Healthy Maine.

The mission is to promote good health by encouraging tobacco-free lifestyles, healthy eating and increased exercise. For more information about this and other health related events/resources, call 795-5990.