Employees laced up their shoes on Wednesday and headed to Stinson Park in Omaha’s Aksarben Village to participate in the National Walk at Lunch day (NW@L). Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has hosted the event for the last 13 years.
Each year participation in the event has grown, BCBSNE had more than 23,000 registered participants across the state of Nebraska this year.
BCBSNE donated $1 for every individual participant and $20 for each group participant to Special Olympics Nebraska. The funds support 19, year-round sports, free health screenings and leadership and development for Special Olympians.
Walkers at Stinson were treated to beautiful weather, drinks, snacks and music during the event. Some of them even spotted a T-rex getting in some steps.
“I like that Blue Cross sponsors the walk, “Caryl Chapman, BCBSNE employee said. “It’s nice to get out of our chairs and get moving,”
Chapman says she’s participated in the walk for the last four years and is thankful for the great weather this year.
BCBSNE employees weren’t the only ones spotted at Stinson Park. Employees from HDR, Right at Home and other companies could be found doing a few laps.
Right at Home employee, Mary, participated for the first time this year. “It’s a great event,” Mary said. “I’ll participate again next year too, as long as the weather is good.”
Across Nebraska, companies, schools, and individuals participated as well. One participating Nebraska school will win a $1,000 grant for taking the walk at lunch pledge.
Didn’t get to participate? No worries, it doesn’t have to be NW@L day to get out and get in 30 minutes of physical activity. So lace up those shoes and get moving!
