May 13, 2004
May 13, 2004
At a Capitol reception honoring the Detroit Shock for winning the 2003 Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) World Championship, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm proclaimed today Detroit Shock Day in the State of Michigan. She praised the Shock and other successful sports teams, professional and amateur, for being great role models for a healthier Michigan.
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"The world champion Detroit Shock has put our sports-crazed state on the map with their winning ways last year, and I am confident of a repeat performance this season," Granholm said. "I commend them for serving as positive role models and sources of inspiration for women and girls everywhere by emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and positive self-image."
Granholm said the Shock and other successful sports teams, such as the Lansing Everett boys Class A basketball team and Lansing Christian Class D girls basketball team who were on hand for today's event, should be an inspiration for Michigan citizens to lead healthier lifestyles.
"We are a state that loves sports, but we need to become a state of active participants as well," Granholm said. "Whether it is shooting hoops, taking a walk, going for a swim, or ice skating, Michigan citizens need to be more active and healthier."
Granholm said unhealthy habits are costly to Michigan's economic competitiveness. She noted that in 2002, the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle cost Michigan nearly $8.9 billion in medical care costs, lost productivity, and workers compensation. In 2003, obesity-related medical costs in Michigan totaled an estimated $2.9 billion.
In a new state report, Michigan ranks third worst in the nation for obesity and has been among the 10 heaviest states for 14 years. And in a recent survey, more than 50 percent of Michigan residents said they exercised less than the recommended 30 minutes a day.
