Get Active Orlando Receives Healthy Living Grant

Online, November 10, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Get Active Orlando (GAO), in conjunction with the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC), has secured $9,900 in funding from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation (Blue Foundation) to offer healthy living programs in the Parramore area of Downtown Orlando.

The grant will allow GAO to facilitate programs through the Graves Martial Arts Academy, Dance USA, Couture Adornments, SOS Fitness Bootcamp and the Orange County Health Department. The programs, which have been funded by GAO in the past and proved successful in actively engaging Parramore residents in healthy activities, will begin to be offered via the Blue Foundation grant early next year.

"We are elated to be able to bring back these active programs to Downtown Orlando," says GAO Chair Leah Nash. "Not only do these activities provide fitness, but they give the residents a chance to learn and experience new things."

It is an exciting and challenging time for the ECFRPC. Limited funding has prompted creative partnership opportunities necessary to leverage resources and advance regional healthy community initiatives. "The ECFRPC is pleased to be part of these efforts and will continue to welcome new and innovative partnerships that stay true to the Council mission and contribute to the region's quality of life," says ECFRPC Interim Executive Director George Kinney.

The Blue Foundation is the philanthropic affiliate of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida with a mission to improve the health and well-being of Floridians and their communities through strategic grantmaking.

Now in its tenth year of operation, Get Active Orlando, which operates as an active-living advisory board to the City of Orlando, promotes physical activity and balanced nutrition through community gardens, cooking classes, fitness programs, and bicycle giveaways, and supports policies designed to create physical environments that encourage healthy activity.