PRESS
July 29, 2004
Section: Local
Page: 2A
Ironman to push healthy eating
Kelly Nix
Staff
Chad Hawker becomes spokesman for HELP
KELLY NIX
The Salinas Californian
A world-class triathlete from Seaside is redirecting his competitive spirit toward eradicating obesity among Monterey County young people.
Chad Hawker, 30, has become the spokesman for Healthy Eating Lifestyle Principles, or HELP, which promotes healthy eating among youngsters.
"It was the right decision to take a step back from racing and move into this full-time, and it's incredible," Hawker said.
Hawker has won numerous triathlons - including the Keauhou Kona Triathlon half Ironman - for an unprecedented six years in a row.
HELP organizers plan to collaborate with local schools, businesses, news media and hospitals to promote this message: Eating five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day is a leading step toward healthy living.
Hawker was recruited as spokesman by HELP's founder, Basil Mills. "This (obesity) is the biggest health crisis this country has faced and probably will over the next 10 years," said Mills, who also is chief executive officer of Salinas-based Mills Family Farms.
Although going from professional tri-athlete at the peak of his career to spokesman for a nonprofit seems like a dramatic career shift, Hawker said it makes sense to him.
"The purpose is not to only win triathlons," he said. "The purpose is to use my gift in a positive way to make a difference."
Hawker's also participating in The Salinas Californian-sponsored Let Us Ride bicycle tour, which he said is a perfect way to promote the HELP project.
The Aug. 21 event includes four cycling distances, ranging from a 10-mile "fun ride" around south Salinas to the "100 Mile Challenge."
HELP stems from Monterey County's "Competitive Clusters: C2," a public/private partnership that seeks to strengthen the county's overall economy by having "clusters" of businesses work together, Mills said.
HELP organizers hope to eventually introduce the program nationally and to target adults as well, Hawker said.
"If something is not done, the kids of today will live lower life expectancies than their parents," he said. "That's shocking. We have to do something."
Contact Kelly Nix at knix@salinas.gannett.com.
DETAILS
The Healthy Eating Lifestyle Principles, or HELP, will officially be launched Oct. 9-10 at Kidfest at the Monterey County Fairgrounds.