Youth fundraising efforts to be rewarded by Olympian

Georgia's upcoming Walk From Obesity in Gainesville is offering a unique opportunity for young people. The participant under the age of 18 who registers and raises the largest amount in donations for the event will lead the walk and ride in the Grand Marshall's convertible with Cat Whitehill, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist in Women?s Soccer.

The benefit walk, which is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16, is part of a national effort to increase awareness of the life-threatening disease of obesity and to raise funds for research, prevention and advanced treatments. Studies show morbid obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death and is at epidemic levels among the U.S. population. Participants in Georgia?s Walk from Obesity will join thousands of other walkers around the country participating in local events to bring attention and additional research funding to the disease.

Registration is $25 and online pre-registration at www.walkfromobesity.com is encouraged so participants can secure a commemorative tshirt.

Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. at the traffic court parking lot on Washington Street. Warm-up is set for 8:30 a.m. with the walk through the Brenau

University campus and surrounding neighborhood scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Anyone interested in meeting

Whitehill and particpating in the walk as a volunteer, sponsor or participant should call 770.534.0110 or visit the national event website at www.walkfromobesity.com.