Wristbands are given to all participants in Strong B.A.N.D.S. events to provide an outward symbol of their commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
SAN ANTONIO — Army installations world-wide are banding together for the 4th annual Strong B.A.N.D.S. campaign in recognition of "National Physical Fitness and Sports Month" during the month of May.
The Army "Strong B.A.N.D.S." campaign will run through May 31, on sixty-one locations Army-wide. Strong B.A.N.D.S. promotes physical fitness, nutrition, optimal health, and resilience by focusing on Balance, Activity, Nutrition, Determination, and Strength - forming the acronym B.A.N.D.S.
"It's all about enhancing community resiliency," said Darrell Manuel, Army Sports director and program manager for Strong B.A.N.D.S. "One of our campaign goals is to bring awareness to the number of fitness and health opportunities available to Soldiers and families."
"Strong-Ready-Resilient" is the theme for this year's Strong B.A.N.D.S. campaign, which supports the Army's "Ready and Resilient" Campaign and the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Program.
Strong B.A.N.D.S. is a campaign of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation directorate, and is designed to energize and inspire community members to live a healthy lifestyle.
Each participating garrison selects a minimum of five fitness and health-related events to implement throughout the month. Participants will be given Strong B.A.N.D.S. wristbands that symbolize the community's commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
"The program managers are great at making fitness fun," said Carole Herr, Strong B.A.N.D.S. program coordinator. "Military communities can expect a variety of fitness events -- everything from Story Walk events with the MWR Libraries, to Zumba classes, to line dancing at the Teen Center, to Bowling with BOSS."
Soldier-athletes from the Army's World Class Athlete Program will be featured throughout the campaign as ambassadors representing resiliency and excellence in physical fitness and sports in the Army.
"I'm excited about the online resources," Herr said. "This year's campaign includes downloadable motivational bookmarks, posters featuring the ambassadors and health and fitness cards."
"Soldiers and their families, regardless of their location, can take part in the campaign, get the information and be involved through our website and social media sites," Herr explained.
The website will also feature the 'Coach-Teach-Mentor' section featuring former All Army Sports athletes turned coaches. They will share their expertise, training methods and advice.
"Fitness is a state of mind," said Manuel. "If you think healthy, participate in healthy activities, you're on the right track to staying healthy. We want to inspire our Soldiers and families to make nutrition and physical fitness a priority."
