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| See more photos from last year on the Oakland University Facebook page. |
Set for Wednesday, May 21, this free, 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.
"OU's fourth annual Poker Walk is a great opportunity for employees to have fun and get some exercise at the same time," said Stephanie Willis, coordinator of wellness and education outreach. "The benefits of getting into shape and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are tremendous."
The six 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. More than 100 additional prizes will be distributed randomly.
Participants are welcome to bring lunches and eat with colleagues on the Recreation Center lawn or inside the building’s social lounge. Vendors on hand this year include Hanson’s Running Shop, Whole Foods, KIND Detroit, Intentional Yoga, and the Brooksie Way.
Participants will each receive a goody bag that includes a KIND bar, and Whole Foods will be providing free snacks. Information on upcoming wellness programs will also be available.
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 any time between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and should check in at the Recreation Center.
The event registration deadline is noon on Monday, May 19 and those interested can register at the website. Recreation Center membership is not required to participate. For additional information, contact Willis at (248) 370-4968 or willis@oakland.edu.