BROWNSVILLE, Texas (July 28, 2017) – The City of Brownsville is proud to announce it has been awarded $9,990 in Promotion & Community Event Grant funds from the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) for CycloBia Brownsville and The CHALLENGE RGV.

BCIC Promotion & Community Event Grant funds of $5,000 were awarded to the Public Health & Wellness Department for The CHALLENGE RGV, and grant funds of $4,990 were awarded to the Traffic Department for CycloBia Brownsville. Grant funds will support newspaper, radio and television advertisements and promotional signage, including vinyl and street banners for CycloBia Brownsville in 2017-2018 and The CHALLENGE RGV in Spring 2018.

CycloBia Brownsville is a free family event that temporarily closes several miles of streets to vehicular traffic for the exclusive use of pedestrians and cyclists. Runners, walkers and cyclists of all ages are given the opportunity to safely enjoy the open streets. Featured along the routes are activity hubs, reclovias, which provide additional exercise opportunities and healthy alternative concessions. Today, CycloBia is held four times a year and holds an average of 4,000 participants. The most recent CycloBia, themed “Cinco de Mayo,” was held on May 5, 2017, and had approximately 5,100 participants. Future CycloBia dates are slated for: Friday, August 25, 2017; Sunday, October 15, 2017; and Friday, December 15, 2017.

The CHALLENGE RGV is an annual 12-week weight-loss challenge engaging local residents to increase physical activity and make healthy food choices. With its annual kick-off in January, The CHALLENGE RGV participants connect for motivation and support through social media sites, motivational text messages, and cooking and exercise demonstrations. In addition, local businesses and private gyms offer free classes and personal trainers during the annual 12-week challenge. Since the program’s inception in 2010, The CHALLENGE RGV participants have lost a total of 14,000 pounds.

“Since 2010, the City of Brownsville has joined efforts with local partners to bring innovative health programs like CycloBia and The CHALLENGE to our community,” said Brownsville City Manager Charlie Cabler. “These programs motivate our residents to increase physical activity, encourage healthy food choices, and promote overall healthy, active lifestyles. We extend our thanks to BCIC for their support in funding these programs that will continue to enhance the quality of life for all of our residents.”

Learn more about CycloBia Brownsville and The CHALLENGE RGV at: www.cyclobiabrownsville.com and https://www.facebook.com/thechallengergv/.  

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