Lee University’s Bateman Team is joining with United Way of Bradley County and many of its agencies and programs in “Eat. Move. Grow United.” This campaign is helping to fight childhood obesity by raising awareness in the community.

Saturday, Feb. 18 will be the campaign’s biggest effort to involve and educate local elementary and middle school children in a fun run, “Go United.” The event will take place on The Cleveland/Bradley Greenway at 10 a.m.

Statistics show that 36.5 percent of children and adolescents in Tennessee are overweight or obese. Tennessee is ranked the 5th highest state in the nation for childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is a cause that many are concerned about, including First Lady Michelle Obama, who is not taking the problem lightly. Her national initiative — Let’s Move! — has been active for almost one year. Campaigns such as the Bateman Team’s are exactly what she hoped to inspire.

Due to Tennessee’s above average obesity ratings, it is also a big concern locally. One of United Way’s agencies involved in the campaign is the Cleveland Family YMCA. Cleveland Family YMCA Senior Program Director, Rodney Murray, has long been assisting in pushing the importance of this issue. Murray does not believe that reversing the trend of childhood obesity comes from learning a few things about healthy living.

“The only way to change our community is by completely changing the culture,” he stressed. That means Cleveland’s children not only need knowledge, but also need to be connected to organizations in the community that activate their healthy lifestyle.

“United Way Worldwide has taken educating the public about the dangers of childhood obesity as a cause, and are working with Bateman Teams across the nation,” said Matt Ryerson, United Way of Bradley County president and CEO. “We are pleased to see Lee University’s Bateman Team get involved in this project, and know that anything that can help us lead children into healthy activities will help them as they mature into adults.”

“Eat. Move. Grow United.” will not only challenge children and adolescents to live a healthier lifestyle, but also assist and educate the parents of these children so that their knowledge can help shape today’s Cleveland for a healthier tomorrow.

To sign up and receive more information, visit www.eatmovegrowunited.com. Or, visit the “Eat. Move. Grow United” Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eatmovegrowunited.