SACO – The 2009 Lighten ME! competition begins Wednesday, Jan. 21, and runs through April. Since 2004, Maine Games has offered the statewide team wellness competition to help Mainers shape up.

More than 30,000 pounds have been lost and nearly 2 million miles of exercise has been recorded by the thousands of adults who have completed the 100-day program.

Competition has been the key to the success of Lighten ME!, said Maine Games executive director Jeff Scully. “Nothing motivates humans like competition. When bragging rights are on the line people will go to great lengths to come out on top. They’ll log that extra mile, or grab a healthy snack instead of a candy bar. It all adds up to better health for our members.”

This year, the Dandy Andies are representing SAD 36 and Livermore Falls High School. Since the beginning, many Maine school districts and individual schools have used Lighten ME! as their wellness program.

The top three teams in the weight loss and physical activity divisions will receive Maine Games gold, silver and bronze medals. Other incentives will also be offered during the program.

Teams of between two and 10 adults can register through January at www.lightenme.org. The registration fee is $15 a person. Each participant will receive their own personal Web page where they can record their progress anonymously and receive weekly newsletters and program updates.