Poker Walk offers OU employees great incentives to get and stay fit

Oakland University faculty, staff, graduate assistants and other employees are invited to once again celebrate National Employee Health and Fitness Day by taking part in the Poker Walk Challenge.

Set for Wednesday, May 15, this free, third annual event is designed to encourage and reward healthy lifestyle habits. Individual and team participants will vie for valuable prizes by collecting poker chips along a one-mile walking path, and then exchanging chips for playing cards at the end of the route.

The three walkers collecting the best poker hands will win prizes valued at $100 each, and other prizes will be awarded to teams with the best costumes, most enthusiasm and best team name. Additional prizes will be distributed randomly.

New this year, walk participants will be able to earn extra poker chips at two surprise stations added to the walk route. This will increase chances of collecting the best poker hand.

Free snacks will be provided by Detroit Kind and Feel Energy, and lunches provided by Gourmet Everyday will available for purchase. Participants are also welcome to bring lunches and eat with colleagues on the Recreation Center lawn or inside the building’s social lounge.

Other event highlights will include:

• on-site resources for smoking cessation, the American Heart Association and Walgreens;
• the Hansons Running Shop mobile store featuring shoes and apparel;
• an OU Student Organic Farm booth featuring information and a display of produce that will be available at on-campus summer farm stands.

The walk, set to take place rain or shine, will begin and end at the Recreation Center. Participants will walk indoors in the event of rain. Individuals and teams can walk anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and should check in at the Recreation Center. All taking part in the event will receive freebies tied to fun, upcoming employee wellness activities.

The event registration deadline is noon on Monday, May 13, and those interested can register at oakland.edu/pokerwalk. Recreation Center membership is not required to participate. For additional information, view the website or e-mail Becky Lewis at lewis236@oakland.edu.