Mayor Madeline Rogero announced today that Knoxville has been designated a "Let's Move!" City to fight the epidemic of childhood obesity.

 The "Let's Move!" campaign began under First Lady Michelle Obama under the tagline "America's Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids." It carries endorsements from big-name celebrities such as pop artist Beyonce and her team, who sang and choreographed the official "Let's Move!" Flash Dance song.

The local "Let's Move!" event is what eventually led to Knoxville's "Let's Move!" designation and will be held in Knoxville on Saturday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Victor Ashe Park (4901 Bradshaw Rd.) and Holston-Chilhowee Ballpark (5900 Asheville Hwy).

"Tennessee has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the country," Mayor Rogero said. "This designation helps us reach out to those families who need help with this issue. There will be plenty of resources at these two parks to provide nutritional and athletic information, and get kids plugged into a healthier lifestyle."

The event has been planned by a committee of health experts, recreation specialists, dietitians and other related professionals from 15 local organizations. The primary steering organizations have been Coordinated School Health, Knoxville Parks and Recreation, the Knoxville Track Club, the Knox Area Coalition on Childhood Obesity, and the Knox County Health Department. All of these groups work under the common goal to address the issue of childhood obesity.

Both locations will feature a "greenway of activities" in an effort to introduce Knoxville youth to eating healthy and moving more outside. Participants will receive an official "Let's Move!" Adventure Map that will be stamped for each activity station visited in order to be eligible for door prizes.

Every participant will receive a free "Walk with Walgreens" kit and will have the chance to enter to win a Home Depot grill. Vegetable plants will also be given away by Home Depot.

Children who attend the event at Holston-Chilhowee Ballpark will receive free fluoride treatments from the Vine School Clinic.

Sponsors for the Let's Move! Event in Knoxville include B97.5, Walgreens, Home Depot, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Subway, and Moonwalks & Such.