COLUMBUS – Polk, Fit, Fresh and Friendly (PF3) is inviting the county to take the Polk Fit Challenge during the month of October either individually or by creating a team to help achieve overall health.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, Sept. 5 and heard from Buffy Ashmore, PF3 coordinator, about the challenge.

Ashmore said with the help of sponsors, PF3 was able to coordinate a program for the community. The challenge will run the month of October. An individual can take the challenge or a team of at least five people can also form. If a team signs up, a free activity tracker will be given, similar to a Fit Bit.

Ashmore said there are lots of incentives and prizes, including gift cards and gift certificates to businesses at the events planned.

Polk County Manager Marche Pittman said Ashmore came to the county department head meeting last week to present and he hopes there are several teams created in the county departments.

“Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly (PF3) wants to help you change your life for the better,” states a brochure for the challenge. “With the Polk Fit Challenge, we’ve created a fun and effective way to help you achieve better overall health through interactive events, educational tools and expert advice.”

The Polk Fit Challenge Kick-off will be on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. at Stearns Park in Columbus. A Polk Fit celebration will be held on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m., also at Stearns, to close out the challenge.

Activities that count in the challenge include walking, running, cycling, dancing and swimming.

A full calendar of events for the month of October can be found at polkfit.com.

How the Polk Fit Challenge works

Enter the challenge alone or bring a team of five people. Challenge members who recruit at least five team members will receive a free multi-function activity tracker with iPhone and Android capability at the beginning of the challenge. The challenge encourages people to motivate themselves and each other as they set personal and team goals for healthy activity. Members can join weekly events. Members will receive a participant packet which will provide them with a “how to” guide for recording activity during the challenge.

Participants can join the challenge’s Instagram and Facebook pages at #GetFitPolkNC and be entered to win weekly door prizes, “all for the health of it.”

For more information or to register for the challenge, visit www.polkfit.com or call 828-894-8271 ext. 222.