Honoring exercise despite physical disability is focus of fitness awards

Becky Beach, chairwoman of the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health, is passionate about encouraging healthy habits, even when it comes to those who are already in admirable physical condition.

“Aren’t you guys hungry?” she asked, wandering through the room at the council’s Fitness Forum on Tuesday evening, motioning to the table full of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Members of the council and community gathered at the Activity and Recreation Center to honor award winners at the council’s Spring 2005 Fitness Forum, part of Columbia’s annual Bike, Walk and Wheel Week. The award winners are Donna Glenn, Joanne Macher, Martin Mahula, Bob Ragland, Dana Fritz and Roy Weece.

Honorees were recognized for achievements such as continuing to exercise regularly despite physical disability and organizing a walking school bus program for their child’s elementary school.