A celebration including Governor John Lynch and NH First Lady, Dr. Susan Lynch was held on the State House lawn today marking the 5th anniversary of Walk NH, a statewide physical activity and public awareness program to encourage people of all ages to be active by walking.

Walk NH, coordinated by the Foundation for Healthy Communities, was launched in 2005 and originally designed for children ages 6 to 12 as a way to teach kids that getting in shape is fun and easy. Children pledged to walk the equivalent of either the length – 190 miles – or the width – 70 miles – of New Hampshire either individually or by walking with friends and/or family members. Due to its popularity, the program was quickly expanded to include kids of all ages and adults

The event kicked off with music emceed by radio personality Nazzy of 105.5 WJYY and included promotional item giveaways, door prizes and an appearance from the Oakhurst Dairy mascot, “Oakie”. Shawn LaFrance, executive director of the Foundation for Healthy Communities welcomed the crowd of mostly school-aged children and thanked program sponsors, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Oakhurst Dairy. He also announced an expansion of the Walk NH program to include a new walking goal for program participants -- the perimeter of the state of New Hampshire or 599 miles.

Oakhurst Dairy vice president of sales and marketing, Jim Lesser introduced Paralympian skier Chris Devlin-Young from Campton, NH who delivered an inspirational speech focused on the importance of exercising every day and never taking being able-bodied for granted. Eric Schulz, from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation expressed what a great opportunity it has been to sponsor the Walk NH program these past 5 years before introducing Governor Lynch.

Governor Lynch read a proclamation, designating the first week of June as Walk NH week. He also noted that Dr. Lynch has walked with groups participating in the program from all around the state and in every kind of weather. He then introduced Dr. Lynch, Walk NH spokeswoman, who in turn thanked the program sponsors and the Foundation for Healthy Communities for coordinating the Walk NH program for the last 5 years.

“Five years ago we held an event right here at the State House to help launch the Walk NH and today we celebrate all those children and adults who listened to the message—walk New Hampshire—and walked as a means to increase their level of physical activity and maintain their health. The beauty of Walk NH is its simplicity. You do not need a membership card, expensive clothes or equipment and there is no need to make an appointment to participate”, said Dr. Lynch.

Dr. Lynch next introduced tri-athlete, Jeremy Woodward who explained how he walked his way back to health after two open heart surgeries. He is now training for his first Iron Man competition in July.

The formal program concluded with Oakie leading a group of walkers, many clad in orange Walk NH tee-shirts, on a half-mile walk through downtown Concord.

Since October 2005, more than 45,000 children and adults Walk NH participants have collectively walked over 153,000 miles throughout New Hampshire. Learn more about Walk NH at www.walkNH.org.