‘Biggest Loser’ finalist to lead 4-H bike ride in River Valley

August 18, 2014

Fast facts:

Aug. 23, ‘Biggest Loser’ finalist Joe Ostaszewski to promote fitness, 4-H in River Valley
Ostaszewski will lead bike ride on Garrison Avenue

(216 words)

FORT SMITH, Ark. – Joe Ostaszewski, a finalist on “The Biggest Loser,” says the show saved his life. Now he’s teaming up with the National 4-H Council for a cross-country bike ride to save kids from the dangers of childhood obesity.

Ostaszewski and his Wear Your Soul project will be making a stop at Fort Smith on Saturday, Aug, 23, as part of his “Ride it Forward” fitness campaign. Staging for the ride will be at the top of Garrison Avenue in the parking lot in front of the Immaculate Conception Church. Riders may begin arriving at 2:30 p.m. At 3 p.m. Ostaszewski will join the riders for a trip down Garrison Avenue. The ride will end at the National Historic Site where Ostaszewski will talk with riders about the National 4-H Healthy Living Initiative, healthy eating and exercise habits, and will ask riders to take the Healthy Living Pledge.

The former Florida State lineman tipped the scales at nearly 370 pounds. He told the Ocala (Florida) Star Banner newspaper in 2013 that he and his twin brother Henry, who weighed about 360 pounds, began getting back and shape and applied for the “The Biggest Loser.” Joseph got the casting call. In the end, the effort was worth it. He lost 147 pounds in six months.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

All meetings and activities announced in this news release are open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) should notify the county Extension office as soon as possible prior to the activity.

By Dave Edmark
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Nickie Taul-Harding
Crawford County Extension Agent – 4-H
U of A Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
(479) 474-5286
nharding@uada.edu

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