Blue Springs, Mo. – Mayor Carson Ross has challenged mayors from Independence, Lee’s Summit, Grandview, Oak Grove, Grain Valley and Raytown to a friendly game of M-A-Y-O-R on Saturday, June 11 at noon. M-A-Y-O-R is actually the game of H-O-R-S-E, with the letters changed around to be more appropriate for the participants. The basketball challenge will be at the Wilbur Young Park basketball courts located at 1100 SE Adams Dairy Parkway, Blue Springs, Mo. and are part of the Eastern Jackson County Municipal Challenge.
“The Municipal Challenge provides a chance for city employees to come together for fun, wellness and fellowship between neighboring communities,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “I look forward to meeting the other mayors on the court and seeing which one of us will bring home the gold!”
The Municipal Challenge grew out of a desire for Eastern Jackson County municipalities to create an event that would promote health, wellness and camaraderie along with a little competition though Olympic-style games. These events offer employees a chance to meet and network with their counterparts from neighboring municipalities while adding a social component for those who choose not to compete and cheer on their colleagues.
“A program encouraging healthy eating habits and physical activity for children and adults is a recipe for success in terms of education about the importance of proper food and nutrition and staying physically active," said Lee's Summit Mayor Randy Rhoads. "Learning these valuable lessons at any age can lead to a lifetime of healthy practices," Mayor Rhoads said. "It is an honor to be a part of this great effort."
The games began on June 3 and continue through June 18 on various days and locations located throughout Eastern Jackson County. All full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees were eligible to participate. Each city will earn points based on employee participation as well as how teams place in the competition. The city with the highest number of points at the end of the two-week competition will win a trophy which will remain in that city until the next year’s competition.
The 2011 Municipal Challenge games include a 1-Mile Kick-off Walk, 5K Run, Horseshoes, Table Tennis, Dodgeball, 3-on-3 Basketball, Disc Golf, Sand Volleyball, Football Toss, Hotshot Basketball, Softball Throw, Flag Football, and Kickball. As a part of the Eastern Jackson County Municipal Challenge, additional events will be scheduled throughout the year, such as a food drive competition, blood drive, trivia contest, and other events.
For Municipal Challenge questions, please contact Sheryl Morgan, Assistant City Clerk at (816) 655-0495.
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