This year’s Go for the Gold well-being challenge was a great success thanks to the 1,652 enthusiastic Texas Children’s employees who participated. In commemoration of the sportsmanship and athleticism of the Rio Summer Olympics, participating employees exercised 30 minutes a day for at least 20 days in August. In addition, weekly bonus challenges provided additional opportunities for more physical activity and further motivation with inspirational quotes from Olympic champions.
As the Summer Olympic Games celebrated closing ceremonies, our Go for the Gold well-being challenge kicked into high gear with an exciting giveaway from the Houston Texans. Our partnership with the professional football team awarded 25 pairs of tickets to the Texans game on Sunday, October 2. For a chance to win, participating employees relayed personal stories of how the Go for the Gold well-being challenge positively impacted their well-being.
Many employees expressed that this was a fun way to celebrate the Summer Olympics through participation instead of just watching the Games on television. One participant explained how she became more mindful of her exercise routine and diet: “The Go for the Gold Challenge challenged me to push my physical fitness and well-being. I lifted weights 4-6 times per week as usual, but also focused on water intake, less soda/sugars, and incorporated cardio while enjoying the Olympics!”
Others have shared how this challenge has fostered fun family bonding and exercising time together as a family passion: “My grandchildren joined me on my daily walks including the weekends. We turned it into an obstacle course where I allowed my youngest grandson to take charge. Oh my gosh! He had so much fun as our walk leader. It allowed him to make good decisions because he looked out for not only his siblings and cousins but also me, his grandmother. Now, not only do we exercise as a family, we also have learned to communicate better while bonding at the same time. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to create such a memorable experience with my grandchildren and teach them the healthy benefits of exercise.”
Another employee remarked: “My children noticed my commitment to a healthier lifestyle and now join me at the park. Some days, they will ride their bikes while I run or jog. I love to see my children waiting for me outside on their bikes when I arrive home from work. Go for the Gold!”
Employees also relayed stories of exercising with colleagues and brainstorming as a team on creative ways to be active in the Houston heat. The Information Services team, for example, started a walking movement and regularly completed team walks during the week!
If you participated in the Go for the Gold well-being challenge, don’t forget your prize! To collect it, please stop by the HR Service Center, Abercrombie Building first floor near the red elevators until Friday, September 30, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
If you have questions about the program or are interested in becoming a Wellness Ambassador, contact us at wellbeing@texaschildrens.org.
