FRESNO, CA (February 15, 2006) - The City of Fresno Department of Parks Recreation & Community Services (PRCS) would like to invite the media to join City Manager Andy Souza, Aetna’s Fresno Service Center Site Manager Raynette Wright, PRCS Recreation Manager Mary Jane Fitzpatrick, and Judy Fern of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at the Ted C. Wills Community Center Gymnasium on Friday February 17, 2006 at 3:30pm for an exciting announcement on how Aetna & the Mayor’s Fitness Council are making it possible for PRCS to help Fresno families combat childhood obesity and diabetes.

As a result of a generous Aetna Foundation Regional Community Health Grant, PRCS will be implementing a hands-on strategy within its youth sports program to engage the participants, motivate the parents and educate the whole family on healthy eating, the importance of an active lifestyle, the severe consequences of obesity and the real threat of diabetes.

Parents and children that will be impacted by the new ‘family wellness’ programming will be attending the press event to sample fitness activities, enjoy hands-on exploration of nutrition learning tools and receive crucial medical information on the reality of Diabetes.

Contacts: Heather Heinks, PRCS Outreach Coordinator, 559-621-2930

Rachelle Cunningham, Aetna Public Relations, 925-948-4983

ANDREW T. SOUZA, CITY MANAGER
CONTACT: Rhonda Jorn, Public Affairs Officer: 621-7777