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Community Corner

Staley Da Bear Hosts 'First and Goal' Program

Staley Da Bear, the Chicago Bears mascot, will be leading his First and Goal program from 4:00-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24, at Midtown Athletic Club, 1760 N. Hicks Rd., in Palatine. The free program, which teaches students how to “score a touchdown for a healthy life,” acts as a kickoff event for Midtown’s 11th Annual 5K Run & Walk to benefit Bears Care. 

The program continues the football theme with its four downs to scoring that touchdown: eating healthy, drinking water, getting rest and keeping physically active. Staley’s goal is to teach children the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle while making it exciting. They will learn that health habits are important but also fun.

Ultimately, the program is to encourage the students to participate in Staley’s Fitness Challenge. The challenge is to maintain a six-week long chart of progress toward a healthy life. Every student who follows the four downs to achieve their personal touchdown will receive a prize.

Kids ages 6-14 are invited to join Staley along with a Chicago Bears teammate for the free event. Please call Midtown Athletic Club in Palatine at (847) 991-4646 to register.

First and Goal leads up to Midtown’s 11th 5K Run & Walk, which takes place on Saturday, September 28. Entry fees are $30 per adult and $20 for children ages 14 and under. All proceeds benefit Bears Care, for which the 5K has raised more than $200,000. The official charity of the Chicago Bears is committed to improving the quality of life for people in the Chicagoland community, especially disadvantaged children and their families, through targeted programs supporting education, youth athletics, and medical research and health awareness programs focusing on breast and ovarian cancer.

Registration for the Midtown 5K is now being accepted at signmeup.com/89240 or by mail through September 21. Race day registration will take place starting at 6:45 a.m.

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