LEWISTON — Healthy Androscoggin gathered for its closing celebration on Aug. 18 at the outdoor amphitheater at Bates College. Around 200 participants attended with hopes of winning prizes and to celebrate their dedication to increasing their physical activity.

As part of the 10-week program, participants were asked to set goals to increase their number of minutes and/or the intensity level of their chosen activities. This year’s participants included seasoned exercisers and those just started out from all over the region.

They chose varying forms of exercise from Nordic walking and swimming to cycling and gardening, holding themselves accountable for 10 weeks. Many told of the positive impacts adding exercise into their week has made on their overall health and happiness.

Erin Guay, the physical activity, nutrition and tobacco manager of Healthy Androscoggin, kicked off the celebration by welcoming the group and congratulating them on their success. Guay then introduced special guest John Jenkins who gave a motivational speech about the importance of caring for the body and being physically active.

All in attendance had their names entered into a drawing for prizes. The winners of this year’s cash prizes included $500 grand prize winner, Kiristeene Ward-Dulac of Greene; $250 winners, Rhonda Vannah of Litchfield and Steven Leeman of Lewiston; and $100 winner, Rita Martin of Lewiston.

Many other program participants won prizes donated from local businesses.

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