Walking Moai: week 9

By Jeshua Erickson

Published Saturday, August 22, 2009

Important!! All steps, points and hours must be done by August 23 at 8pm in order to count toward the final total. All steps must be reported by coordinators to Jeshua Erickson by August 26th at 8pm. (See August 27 wrap-up event details at the bottom of this article.)

Week 9 results are in! Participants in the AARP/Blue Zones Walking Moai Program have walked over 66 million steps, or approximately 33,000 miles. AND participants have worked over 1,900 volunteer hours!!

The top 5 teams in the "steps" category are as follows:

1) 5,139,287 - Blood, Sweat and Duct Tape
2) 4,310,508 - The Jolly Walkers
3) 3,652,717 - Wanna Hobbie Walkin' Walkers
4) 3,538,068 - AL Lakers
5) 3,512,919 - Southside Rockets

The top 5 teams in the "volunteer hours" category are as follows: (Note: "Volunteer hours" are now calculated by taking the total hours for a team and dividing by the number of team members.)

1) 36 - Snow White and the Not So Dwarfs
2) 25 - Southside Rockets
3) 15 - Dead End Walkers
4) 13 - Village Walkers
5) 11 - The Rebels

The team with the most "moai points" so far is the "Early Risers" with 18.

A 'moai point' is earned each time a whole team walks together.

See full results here: http://moai.albertleajournal.com

Wrap-Up Event Details

The AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project is planning an event to celebrate the accomplishments of the Walking Moai groups on Thursday, August 27th at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Walking groups are asked to meet at the parking lot of Calvary Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. to walk together to the fairgrounds. The ceremony at the fairgrounds will begin at 7:00 p.m. sharp.

“The Walking Moai program has been an absolute success. Everyone should come hear the inspirational stories about new friends, healthier bodies, and the great fun enjoyed this summer. For those who missed out, they can learn how to get involved soon in this amazing adventure,” said Joel Spoonheim, Director of Health Initiatives for Blue Zones.

Awards will be presented to the groups that walked the most steps, had the most volunteer hours, and gained the most “Moai points” walking as an entire group. Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner will be on hand to speak and congratulate the walkers. The public is invited to attend.