The Town of Ashland was designated Active RVA Certified at a luncheon hosted by Sports Backers on Tuesday, March 3. The designation comes in recognition of programs town leadership has implemented "to promote physical activity and create a culture of health and wellness".
Sports Backers in a nonprofit organization that promotes healthy lifestyles and fitness in the Richmond region. Organizations that are Active RVA Certified serve as role models in the community and must show through a thorough application process that they are among the best in the region at encouraging physically active lifestyles. Sports Backers recognized 130 organizations in 2015 including school, municipal, nonprofit and for-profit organizations.
Town of Ashland initiatives include programs to encourage employees to walk or bike to work and incentives for employees to meet strict standards for BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol. Town support for community gardens, a local farmer's market and other community-wide benefits also played a role in Ashland's designation.
Two members of town staff accepted the award on behalf of the Town at the March 3 luncheon.