VIRGINIA BEACH – The city has been selected to join a federal initiative to promote outdoor activities for children.
Mayor William Sessoms joined more than 40 local youth volunteers Wednesday at the Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area to announce the city’s inclusion in Let’s Move!, the initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama. The program, funded by American Express and the U.S. Department of the Interior, will provide Virginia Beach with two full-time staff members for two years to promote outdoor events with local youth.
“I’m confident this initiative will motivate youth to spend more time outside,” said Grace Westcott, a senior at Princess Anne High School and president of the Mayor’s Youth Leaders in Action group.
Craig Dorsett, an advisor in the Department of the Interior, said strong local leadership is one of the most important factors that determines whether a city is selected for the program.
“Here in Virginia Beach you have a mayor who’s a real champion for the outdoors, an advocate for young people, and someone who’s really committed to making Virginia Beach a great place to play, to learn, to serve and to work,” he said.
Dorsett said the two full-time staff members will work with the YMCA and will begin planning youth engagement projects soon.
“This didn’t happen by accident,” Mayor William Sessoms said. “For years we have taken steps to preserve and protect the natural beauty of our city. Through this initiative, we will be getting more of our youth active, outdoors and connected to nature.”
After the announcement, a group of young volunteers raked and hoed mulch into a trail.
