By Tyler Pruett

tyler@southerntorch.com

ALABASTER, Ala.— Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones was chosen as one of five mayors from across the state to serve on a panel at Gov. Robert Bentley’s, “Get Moving Alabama Physical Activity Summit” on Friday, Feb. 26 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Alabaster- Restore Building.

The event will kick off the Get Moving Alabama yearlong campaign to educate and motivate Alabamians from all walks of life to get moving and get fit. School professionals, community and government leaders, health care providers, fitness and health professionals, worksite wellness coordinators and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend the Summit.

Those in attendance will hear from outstanding leaders at the national, state and local level, including: Lauren Darensbourg, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, Dr. Tom Miller, Acting State Health Officer Candi Williams, AARP Alabama and a panel made up of the mayors from five cities across the state including Rainsville. Jones will be joined on Bentley’s panel by mayors from Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville and Alabaster.

“It’s an honor to be chosen to serve on a panel with mayors from three of the largest cities in our state,” Jones said. “I’m proud to serve right along with them and even prouder to represent the City of Rainsville as we work with the governor and his task force to improve the health and wellness of the people of this state.”

Alabama has the fifth highest rate of adult obesity in the nation, the fourth highest rate of diabetes, and the second highest rate of hypertension. Bentley and the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Obesity Task Force made the designation official at a proclamation ceremony on Jan. 27 at the State Capitol in Montgomery.