Governor Leads Walk to Kick Off NE150 Challenge

The NE150Challenge, a year-long web-based wellness program, officially opened Monday, Jan. 23 at the Nebraska State Capitol with Governor Pete Ricketts leading the annual Governor’s Walk for wellness.

Prior to walking the halls, the Governor held a brief news conference to encourage Nebraskans to exercise regularly, eat healthy and use available programs and events to stay on track. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services CEO Courtney Phillips shared remarks on the disease-prevention benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Nebraska Sports Council (NebraskaSportsCouncil.com) Executive Director Dave Mlnarik was also on hand and shared details of the NE150 Challenge, which is one of 13 official initiatives of the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission.

The NE150 Challenge allows Nebraskans to track physical activity miles and minutes. As they meet certain benchmarks, they earn virtual badges, many of which are themed after Nebraska’s 150th year of statehood. The program also helps users find trails and parks where they can walk, run, bike, or paddle.

More than 1,450 Nebraskans are already registered and recording miles. The NE150 Challenge is free for individuals and groups, but a corporate membership program has been established to offer additional workplace wellness incentives and help fund the Challenge. For $500, member companies receive a kit with shirts, medals and posters to promote the Challenge and reward high achievers. They also become eligible for corporate awards based on employee numbers. Learn more at NE150Challenge.com or NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.