Canton Leisure Services Nominated for Governor's Award for Extraordinary Organization

Canton Leisure Services Health & Wellness Program has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2013 Extraordinary Organization Award by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.

The award honors organizations or events that provide opportunities for physical activity within their communities. 

The department went through an extensive nomination process several months ago and discovered mid-March it was a finalist, according to Canton Leisure Services Business Operations Coordinator Jeanette Williams.

This is the first time Canton Leisure Services has been nominated for the award. 

"It's a great opportunity for us to tell the story o fall the great things that are happening right now," Williams said. "We've had a lot of growth with our Farmers Market, our trail systems, we added a 5K run in the summer and the amount of classes and things that we offer through our community Center, Summit on the Park, has grown astronomically the past couple of years."

According to Williams, in just two years, participation in Canton Leisure Services group fitness classes has jumped by 10,000. In 2012, there were about 67,000 participants in group fitness classes compared to the 57,000 in 2010. 

The other two award finalists were Henry Ford Health System's Tour de Ford in Sterling Heights and Meijer State Games of Michigan in Grand Rapids.       

In addition, Canton Leisure Services is asking for the community's support by voting for them in the People's Choice Award, which honors a single finalist of the Governor's Fitness Awards for their accomplishments and dedication to a healthy lifestyle.

To win, Canton must receive the most votes. People can vote once a day through April 24 at midnight. 

Vote for Canton Leisure Services for People's Choice Award now.

Award finalists will be recognized April 25 during the Michigan Legislative Session at the State Capitol in Lansing and again during a special gala celebration at Ford Field in Detroit.

Overall winners for all categories will be announced during the gala event.

For more information about Canton Leisure Services and the programs it offers, visit them online.