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New York, NY - Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New Yorkers say “I Love The Challenge,” join in record numbers
Weekend of Fitness, Faith & Good Fun in Big Apple Delivers Big Push Towards Campaign’s Million-Pound Milestone
Dr. Ian Smith’s 50 Million Pound Challenge went to the Big Apple for a weekend of special events and activities Sept. 22-23. And New Yorkers showed their love in a big way—signing up in record numbers and pushing The Challenge ever closer to its goal of reaching the million-pounds-lost milestone by December.
New York City was the 12th stop on the campaign’s 14-city kick-off tour, which is rallying people across the U.S. to take control of their health and fight the epidemic of excess weight. Founded by Celebrity Fit Club expert and best-selling author Dr. Ian, the free weight-loss initiative has taken on more than 226,000 participants in the last five months, who have signed up at 50millionpounds.com and taken off more than 760,000 total pounds. Supported by leaders across the African-American community. The Challenge is pushing to hit the million pounds mark in time for the tour’s last stop—the Nov. 24th Bayou Classic.
In New York, the campaign continued reaching out to new audiences—uptown, downtown, on the street and in the church. On Saturday, Dr. Ian took The Challenge downtown. He joined Steve Harvey, soul singer Freddie Jackson, City Council Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie, and other stars and community leaders at a mid-day event for the Circle of Sisters Expo at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Attendees were treated to a lively mix of entertainment, music and personal stories that brought down the house. After the show, eager fans packed the aisles for photos with the stars. A record 2,500 people signed up at The Challenge booth, which was open through the weekend.
On Sunday, Dr. Ian addressed Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church, where he stressed the importance of taking care of body and spirit and told the congregation that getting fit and losing weight were critical to leading happier, healthier and longer lives. “Too many in our community are dying too young, too early,” he said, noting that African American life expectancy today is five years shorter than other Americans. Reverend Eboni Marshall thanked Dr. Ian and echoed his message, urging the congregation to “get moving and get some exercise, in the name of the Lord.”
After the services, Dr. Ian lead supporters in Central Harlem Health Revival’s 2nd annual walk up Lenox Ave. to the 369th Regiment Armory. There he joined NYC Councilwoman Inez Dickens and Columbia University Associate Dean Dr. Robert Fullilove in urging people to get in shape and kicking off CHHR’s week-long health program.
The campaign’s next stop is Oakland on Oct. 20. For more information, visit 50millionpounds.com.