The State of Maine has begun a new program to encourage kids to be more active outdoors called “Take It Outside!”. 

Governor John Baldacci and well-known local sports figures announced the Take it Outside program on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth.  The goal of the program is to get Maine’s youth active outdoors by taking advantage of the many recreational opportunities in the state, through cooperation between government and outdoor organizations. 

Recent statistics on childhood obesity and diabetes indicate that children are not developing healthy lifestyles early in life and the absence of such has significant healthy implications. 

 Maine’s outdoor ambassadors included Maine residents and Olympic Gold Medalists Joan Benoit Samuelson and Seth Wescott. 

Read an article from the Portland Press Herald.