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Transforming Jefferson County: The Birth of FCSO's FAT to Fit Olympic Games In 2011, the small yet determined community of Jefferson County, Mississippi, faced a startling revelation. A local news broadcast on WJTV Channel 12, coupled with an in-depth report from the Clarion Ledger Jackson newspaper, declared Jefferson County as "the fattest county in America." This eye-opening moment became the catalyst for a transformative journey led by the Fayette Community Service Organization (FCSO), spearheaded by Mr. Anthony Edwards and Mrs. Janell Westley-Edwards. A Wake-Up Call and a Vision The news struck a chord with the Edwards, who had recently attended the Global Obesity Summit in Jackson, MS. Inspired by the summit’s call to action and armed with a wealth of knowledge, they returned to Jefferson County with a renewed sense of purpose. They saw the health crisis in their community not as a deterrent but as an opportunity to ignite change and promote a culture of wellness. From Humble Beginnings to Significant Impact The inaugural FAT to Fit Olympic Games began modestly at the community multi-purpose center with just 60 registered participants. The enthusiasm and engagement it garnered were overwhelming, prompting a move to larger venues in subsequent years, including the Jefferson County Elementary School gymnasium and eventually the Davey Whitney HYPER Complex at Alcorn State University. Remarkable Achievements Over the years, FTFOG has achieved remarkable milestones: - Conducted 15,883 free health screenings. - Awarded 1,101 new bicycles. - Distributed approximately $12,100 in cash prizes, health equipment, health gear, and apparel. - Attracted participants from 13 Mississippi counties and six states nationwide. - Engaged four local municipalities as official members of the FAT to Fit Family network, including Jefferson County Board of Supervisors and the City of Vicksburg. Expanding Horizons: Georgia 2024 As FCSO prepares to host the FAT to Fit Olympic Games in Savannah, Georgia, this August, the spirit of community-driven health advocacy remains strong. Janell Westley-Edwards, a beloved health advocate from Savannah, has taken the lead, continuing the legacy of inspiring healthy living and community empowerment. A Call to Action FCSO invites community members, local businesses, and media outlets to join in this transformative journey. The FAT to Fit Olympic Games is more than an event; it is a movement towards a healthier, happier future for all. Together, we can combat childhood obesity and promote wellness in every corner of our communities. **Contact Information** For more information about the FAT to Fit Olympic Games Georgia 2024, or to get involved, please contact: - **Janell Westley-Edwards** - **Email**: FCSOSolutions@yahoo.com - **Phone**: 1-601-493-5483 / 1-601-660-3857 Join us in celebrating health, fitness, and community spirit. Let’s make Georgia 2024 an event to remember!

I have been connected with and following Blocksport since my time at USA Cycling. I am impressed with what they have done with the Belgium Cycling Team and others in the European sports market. I am honored to join Vladimir Liulka and Samir Beg Ceric to explore more opportunities in the U.S. #sportsbiz #sportstech #web3 #blockchain

Transforming Jefferson County: The Birth of FCSO's FAT to Fit Olympic Games In 2011, the small yet determined community of Jefferson County, Mississippi, faced a startling revelation. A local news broadcast on WJTV Channel 12, coupled with an in-depth report from the Clarion Ledger Jackson newspaper, declared Jefferson County as "the fattest county in America." This eye-opening moment became the catalyst for a transformative journey led by the Fayette Community Service Organization (FCSO), spearheaded by Mr. Anthony Edwards and Mrs. Janell Westley-Edwards. A Wake-Up Call and a Vision The news struck a chord with the Edwards, who had recently attended the Global Obesity Summit in Jackson, MS. Inspired by the summit’s call to action and armed with a wealth of knowledge, they returned to Jefferson County with a renewed sense of purpose. They saw the health crisis in their community not as a deterrent but as an opportunity to ignite change and promote a culture of wellness. Remarkable Achievements of the FAT to Fit Olympic Games Over the years, FTFOG has achieved remarkable milestones: - Conducted 15,883 free health screenings. - Awarded 1,101 new bicycles. - Distributed approximately $12,100 in cash prizes, health equipment, health gear, and apparel. - Attracted participants from 13 Mississippi counties and six states nationwide. - Engaged four local municipalities as official members of the FAT to Fit Family network, including Jefferson County Board of Supervisors and the City of Vicksburg. **Expanding Horizons: Georgia 2024** As FCSO prepares to host the FAT to Fit Olympic Games in Savannah, Georgia, this August, the spirit of community-driven health advocacy remains strong. Janell Westley-Edwards, a beloved health advocate from Savannah, has taken the lead, continuing the legacy of inspiring healthy living and community empowerment. **A Call to Action** FCSO invites community members, local businesses, and media outlets to join in this transformative journey. The FAT to Fit Olympic Games is more than an event; it is a movement towards a healthier, happier future for all. Together, we can combat childhood obesity and promote wellness in every corner of our communities. **Contact Information** For more information about the FAT to Fit Olympic Games Georgia 2024, or to get involved, please contact: - **Janell Westley-Edwards** - **Email**: FCSOSolutions@yahoo.com - **Phone**: 1-601-493-5483 / 1-601-660-3857 Join us in celebrating health, fitness, and community spirit. Let’s make Georgia 2024 an event to remember! Alexis K. Carolyn Hayden- Garner, CPP, PLP JoAnn Ajayi-Scott Dr Jemma Green FEI Susan Rucker Teri Rouse EdD. Pinky Cole

“Teamwork Beyond the Field: Building a Stronger America Together" by Jennifer Adams Just as championship-winning sports teams rely on teamwork, resilience, and supporting one another to achieve their goals, so too can these principles be applied to creating a successful Team America. In a country that is supposed to champion liberty, justice, and equal opportunities for all to achieve the American dream, fostering a shared vision, believing in and supporting one another, and celebrating collective achievements can inspire citizens to come together because of our diverse backgrounds and experiences. One of the greatest Olympic teams and stories of all time (the 1936 U.S. men’s rowing team) embraced the values that elevate both sports and communities. They, like we as Americans can do together today, strengthened their synergy, defied the odds, and overcame individual weaknesses, by believing in each other to succeed as a team, and inspired our nation by working collaboratively toward a brighter future for all Americans. Not sure or disagree? Fair enough, but please do take a look at this short video below, and consider some of the following correlating values between successful sports teams/groups and a successful America for us all. https://lnkd.in/eNymRj_x Correlating Values between successful sports teams/groups and a successful America for us all: 1. Teamwork and Collaboration 2. Diversity of Skills 3. Selfless Leadership 4. Adversity, Adaptability and Accountability 5. Shared Vision and Goals 6. Celebrating Achievements of Others & Learning from Our Mistakes 7. Team Culture of Respect, Opportunity & Fairness for Everyone By highlighting these parallels, my hope is that we can all better appreciate how the values that make great sports teams, or any group working together for the greater good of the team, defy the odds to achieve great things. Those values are: teamwork, adversity, diversity, selfless leadership, shared vision, celebration of others, respect, inclusion, inspiration, fairness, discipline and commitment—all of which are equally important to fostering a prosperous and united Team America. Will you join Team America, and work together to take back our story from the divisiveness, the chaos, and the destruction in character, and move us forward to more celebrating of the team and believing in one another to achieve greatness together? If teamwork is what win championships, then let’s come together now to become a stronger, more united America and inspire all of our communities, our children and our country. #teamamerica #champions #sportslessons #servicemindedleadership #united #strongertogether #jenniferadams #theboysintheboat #inspire

SPRINGBOK LESSONS IN PERFORMANCE AND COMMUNITY What do elite rugby and cancer care have in common? A lot more than you’d think. This week, I had the privilege of joining a session led by the South African Springboks, hosted by JERSEY SPORT and Strive Academy. While known globally for their powerhouse play and recent World Championship win, the Springboks have much to offer beyond rugby. The session provided insights that resonate far beyond the field, particularly for high-performance teams in all sectors. I filled six pages with notes on their approach, and over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of these lessons through posts and my podcast, PerforMind. The Springboks, champions and a symbol of resilience, exemplify the power of cohesive, disciplined teamwork. Their journey is filled with lessons about commitment, adaptability, and leadership—qualities that extend to any high-stakes environment, from the sports field to the boardroom. For instance, their emphasis on clarity of roles within a team and the importance of aligning on purpose is a reminder that achieving any goal, whether on the rugby pitch or in a healthcare setting, demands unity and relentless focus. This event couldn’t have come at a better time. We’re closing our season at the Jersey Rowing Club, preparing for our AGM, and setting new goals for next year. Additionally, I’ll soon be speaking with Jersey’s oncology team about “What Makes the Boat Go Faster?”—a topic that draws on lessons from competitive sport to discuss high-performance teamwork in healthcare. Supporting the Jersey Cancer Strategy, I’ve seen firsthand how critical team building, clear objectives, and collaboration are in complex, high-pressure situations like cancer care. Reflecting on the Springboks’ approach, I’m struck by the value of preparation, resilience, and adaptability in any performance-driven environment. Both sports teams and medical teams rely on precise communication, trust, and shared goals to succeed. The Springbok experience emphasized the importance of a community that rallies around its members—essential for both sports performance and healthcare. Thanks to JERSEY SPORT and Strive Academy for this unique opportunity to learn from world champions. KEY TAKEAWAYS: > Preparation and Adaptability are essential in high-performance teams. > Role Clarity and Communication build trust and team coherence. > Community Focus strengthens resilience and collaboration. #PerformanceLeadership #Springboks #HighPerformanceTeams #CommunityImpact #JerseySport #StrideAcademy #PerforMind

Are Performance and Relationships the Key to Success in Sports and Business? 🏀💼 #WorkOnYourGame Discover the similarities and differences between the sports and business worlds. Explore how performance and relationships play a vital role in each. Learn how being a great performer in sports may differ from building strong connections in the business industry. #SportsVsBusiness #PerformanceAndRelationships #SuccessInSportsAndBusiness #SportsIndustry #BusinessWorld #PerformanceMatters #BuildingConnections #SportsPerformance #BusinessRelationships #ComparingSportsAndBusiness

🔊 Exciting times in the world of golf! US Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau, captain of Crushers GC, recently shared candid reflections on his journey post-victory. 🏆 From the exhilarating rush of fan support, to the transformative impact of increased public visibility, his experiences have been nothing short of inspiring. 🙌 Community and support have been key drivers for Bryson, fueling his passion for the sport. The sense of belonging and appreciation from his supporters is a testament to the power of community in professional sports.🌟 Bryson's increased visibility post-win brought new opportunities his way and significantly enhanced his brand value, paving the way for strategic partnerships like the one with Live Golf. Such alliances underscore the importance of aligning personal growth with broader professional objectives. 📈 In the spotlight as "the people's champ," Bryson's influence extends beyond the golf course, underlining the significant role athletes play in inspiring and engaging their fanbase. 🌍 Reflecting on past mistakes and learning from them, Bryson's journey symbolizes growth and continuous improvement. His resilience is a testament to the power of personal development in achieving long-term success. 💪 His story is not just about golf, but also carries powerful life lessons for us all. How have you experienced the power of community and continuous improvement in your journey? Share your experiences and let's learn from each other! 🔄 Let's take a swing at transforming our own journeys, just like Bryson. Keep growing, keep improving! 🚀 #elementalai #ai #growth #golf #usopen #crushersgc #lessons #journey #success #prosports #community #improvement

These five inspiring humans have found freedom and pursued their dreams of sporting glory! In this insightful article, they discuss the importance of sports in their lives and the significant barriers they have overcome. #RefugeesWelcome #SupportPeopleSeekingAsylum

In the latest instalment of "After the Roar | Life After Elite Sport," rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll opens up about his transition from a celebrated athletic career to life beyond the game. Watch the interview to gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with retiring from elite sport https://lnkd.in/dvYNPfdg. At Athlete Transition Accelerator we are dedicated to supporting athletes through this crucial phase. Brian's reflections resonate deeply with our mission to ensure athletes are well-prepared for life after sports, highlighting the importance of planning, adaptability, and a strong support system. Our Vision for Support: To equip athletes with the tools and resources needed to navigate their transition with confidence, helping them to build a new identity and pursue fulfilling opportunities beyond their athletic careers. Our Approach to Growth: By offering personalised guidance, practical tools, and a supportive network, we assist athletes in managing the emotional and practical aspects of their transition, fostering resilience and success in their new paths. Brian O'Driscoll's experience reminds us that transitioning from elite sport is not just about moving on but about embracing new beginnings and opportunities. His story underscores the need for preparation and support to make this journey as smooth and successful as possible. Join the Discussion: 🗨️ How have you or others you know navigated the shift from elite sport to new ventures? 🗨️ What strategies or resources would have been beneficial in making the transition smoother? 🗨️ What advice would you offer to athletes who are preparing for life after their sports careers? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let’s create a supportive community where athletes can thrive both during and after their sporting careers. #AthleteTransition #LifeAfterSport #BrianODriscoll #Empowerment #SportsTransition #AthleteSupport #NewBeginnings #CareerDevelopment