The BET Foundation Tackles Obesity Head On With Its Fourth Annual 'A Healthy Bet' Fitness Challenge

The BET Foundation Tackles Obesity Head On With Its Fourth Annual 'A Healthy Bet' Fitness Challenge

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BET Foundation, Inc. announced today the return of its notably successful health and fitness competition, A Healthy BET Fitness Challenge. In its fourth year, the BET Foundation along with sponsor General Mills and Honey Nut Cheerios offer a fun opportunity for individuals to incorporate healthy nutrition and fitness practices in their lives through this national fitness challenge. This year's theme, "Building A New Legacy Of African-American Health" sets the pace for the fourth annual fitness competition and encourages individuals to dedicate themselves to healthier way of life.

The national weight-loss and fitness competition launches during Black History month, and will handsomely reward selected teams that meet their objectives at the conclusion of the "challenge phase". "The BET Foundation is excited to partner with renowned corporations General Mills and the Hilton Head Health Institute, who are also committed to improving the quality of health of African Americans," stated Lynda Dorman, Executive Director of the BET Foundation, Inc. "And through the Foundation's creative programs like our national fitness challenge, we continue to effectively address as well as raise awareness to the various obesity-related health issues that specifically plague the African-American community."

Through February 26, interested persons can go to http://www.ahealthybet.com/ to submit an online contest entry, including a 150- word essay and team photo. Four teams made up of eight finalists will be chosen to participate in the fitness challenge phase following the entry process, and will win an opportunity to participate in a special 7-day fitness program at the exclusive award-winning Hilton Head Health Institute in Hilton Head, South Carolina from March 11 - 18, where the finalists will learn health and fitness tips through informational classes and fitness programs.

"We are honored to work with the BET Foundation to not only improve the health and lives of African-American women, but lives of generations to come," states Elizabeth Blaschko, Vice President of Guest and Program Services. "We learn by example and hope to contribute to the education of all who aspire to lead a healthier lifestyle."

BET.com will also feature the national fitness contest online and host a chat with Grammy Award-winning actor and rapper LL Cool J to discuss how he made a "platinum" commitment to a better body and about his new fitness book, "LL COOL J'S PLATINUM WORKOUT" co-written with his trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honing. The team finalists will each receive a platinum prize package including a copy of the rapper's New York Times best selling fitness book; a 3-month gym membership and team trainer at their local gym; and a year's supply of Honey Nut Cheerios. "General Mills is excited to partner with the BET Foundation's Fitness Challenge for the fourth year in a row," stated Katie Lay, Associate Marketing Manager, Honey Nut Cheerios. "We're proud to be helping women take care of their own health."

When the 2007 A Healthy BET Fitness Challenge concludes on June 8, 2007, the single team that meets their collective fitness goals will be the grand prize winners of an all-expense paid trip to the 2007 BET AWARDS in Los Angeles, including airfare and hotel; a special workout session with LL Cool J and his fitness trainer, Dave "Scooter" Honing; and a $500 cash reward.

ABOUT BET FOUNDATION

The BET Foundation is a non-profit organization created to raise public awareness to the numerous health-related challenges within African-American communities. Established in 2003, the Foundation takes a pioneering step in addressing one of the leading behavioral-attributed health concerns among African-American women and families, obesity-related health concerns. Through specifically-tailored initiatives and targeted campaigns, the BET Foundation aims to insure that African Americans live longer and healthier lives. The BET Foundation includes public service announcements (PSAs); targeted programming segments; seminars and health forums; health brochure materials; a dedicated toll-free hotline and website; and a nationwide Healthy BET Fitness Challenge contest to provide the tools and knowledge necessary for communities to develop long lasting healthy lifestyle habits. For more information, please visit http://www.ahealthybet.com/.

ABOUT GENERAL MILLS

General Mills, with annual net sales of $10.8 billion, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer food products. Its global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Haagen-Dazs, Old El Paso and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million. General Mills is also a leading supplier of baking and other food products to foodservice and commercial baking industries.

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Source: BET Foundation, Inc.

CONTACT: Lyntina Townsend of BET Foundation, Inc., +1-202-608-2745,
lyntina.townsend@bet.net

Web site: http://www.ahealthybet.com/

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