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Three-time Olympian to Attend Four Walk-and-Run Race Events Throughout Wisconsin
Antigo, WI – May 25, 2012 – Former Olympian, and Wisconsin Potatoes spokesperson, Suzy Favor Hamilton is ready to hit the road this season – promoting healthy living, exercise and the nutritional benefits of potatoes. And she’ll do so while racing along fellow Wisconsinites at four statewide athletic events.
A native of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Favor Hamilton won eleven state titles in high school, is the winningest female collegiate athlete at the University of Wisconsin, won nine NCAA championships and was named the Big Ten Athlete of the Decade in the 90s. She also won seven U.S. National Championships. Today, she resides in Madison, Wisconsin with her family and travels the nation as a motivational speaker.
Favor Hamilton will make her first appearance of the season at the eighth annual Walk Wisconsin (http://www.walkwisconsin.com) non-competitive event to be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 in Stevens Point. Favor Hamilton will hand out medals and speak with participants after they have crossed the finish line.
She will once again appear at the Antigo Tater Trot on August 11, 2012. The event will be held at Antigo City Park and consists of a one-mile fun run, a 10k competitive run and a four-mile walk/run.
On August 25, 2012, Favor Hamilton will join participants at the United Way of Portage County Run, Bike, Unite Duathlon. She will present awards to finishers of the event. This event is limited to 800 participants, so racers are encouraged to register early.
Favor Hamilton will also attend the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon to be held on October 7, 2012. Over 3,100 runners from throughout the Midwest will join Favor Hamilton at the Marathon.
Duane Maatz, Executive Director for the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) notes, “People flock to see Suzy – it’s a fantastic way to get people to participate in events that encourage healthier lifestyles and eating habits. Her appearances last year inspired so many people, especially children – and that’s important as this nation battles childhood obesity. When Suzy tells kids to eat their vegetables, participate in sports and get outdoors – they listen.” Adds Maatz, “As a Wisconsin native who grew up in a region rich with potato fields, she understands the value of local farmers to our economy. Wisconsin is one of very few remaining vegetable industry epicenters in this nation – our climate, our soils and our infrastructure make us unique. She does a great job of making people aware of – and proud of – that fact.”
About Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA)
Established in 1948, the WPVGA is headquartered in Antigo, Wisconsin. WPVGA provides grower education, government support, environmentally sound research and consumer education for 150 grower organizations across the state. WPVGA is responsible for expanding the Wisconsin potato markets through advertising, promotion and research. WPVGA also supports the Wisconsin Healthy Grown™ initiative – reduced-pesticide, integrated pest management, sustainable farming practices overseen by Protected Harvest, an independent oversight organization. http://www.wisconsinpotatoes.com.
