Councilmember Herb Wesson Prepares to Kick Off Family Obstacle Course

Wesson to be Joined by Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass During Opening Remarks

Los Angeles Councilmember Herb Wesson will kick off this Saturday's 4th annual "A Taste of Health and Fitness" festival by leading the family obstacle course after opening remarks.

Wesson, joined by California Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass, Milken Family Foundation Board Trustee Rev. Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier, and other community leaders will conduct opening remarks at 11:00 AM followed up the start of the family obstacle course.

"We're very excited that Councilmember Wesson will lead community members in the family obstacle course," stated Tarik Tyler, who designed the course. Fresh off his appearance on ABC TV's "Shaq's Big Challenge," Tyler decided to become more involved with the issue of childhood obesity, and founded Bring Back Gym. BBG is a co-host of Saturday's festival, and is dedicated to providing a fun fitness environment to unfit and obese children. "The course will include a 25-yard dash, over-and-under hurdles, a basketball shoot, football throw, and other challenges," said Tyler.

Wesson, who exercises regularly, will be training with Tarik Tyler this week at a local gym, and hopes his involvement in the festival will inspire people of all ages to take ownership of their personal health and fitness. "April is National Minority Health Month and fittingly, FFSC's annual health festival provides an opportunity for our community to access optimal health care while also continuing to raise awareness that health disparities persist and must be addressed," he said. Wesson represents Los Angeles Council District 10 and recently spearhearded a 24-percent increase in HIV testing funds by the Los Angeles City Council.