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News Advisory
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
FOR AP AND METRO NEWS DAYBOOKS:
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2008

Time:

 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Fort Adams State Park
Newport ("Secret" Location)
Event: Grand Finale - Rhode island Great Outdoors Pursuit

For Release:

 August 21, 2008
Contact: Terri Bisson, 222-3434, ext. 4402

DEM TO HOST GRAND FINALE FOR GREAT OUTDOORS PURSUIT
Sh-h-h — Registered Participants Must Figure Out Event Location from Clues Provided By DEM

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management will host the Grand Finale of the 2008 Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit -- a contest that encourages Rhode Islanders to enjoy the recreational resources and outdoor activities our state parks have to offer, while moving toward a healthier lifestyle.

The Grand Finale takes place this Sunday, August 24 from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is open to the general public and will feature entertainment, including Big Nazo strolling characters and activities such as rock climbing, children's obstacle courses and other games. The event will also include a slingshot competition to award the grand prize to eligible teams.

For clues to the event location, visit the program website at http://www.riparks.com/RIOutdoorsPursuit/Home.htm. (easily accessible via direct link at www.riparks.com).

DEM and the Office of the Governor launched the ten-week adventure in June as part of a regional initiative called No Child Left Inside and the state's Healthy Weight in 2008 campaign. More than 200 teams with nearly 1,000 people registered and began decoding clues, discovering state parks and participating in fun activities and challenges.

Teams were challenged to participate in seven events and earned points for each event they attended. Events included outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, obstacle courses, rock climbing, and fishing. Teams that attended all seven Pursuit events will compete for the grand prize at the finale -- a complete camping gear and vacation package donated by Wal-Mart. Teams that completed less than seven events are eligible to participate in raffles for other prizes including a kayak and kayak lessons donated by Eastern Mountain Sports and bicycles donated by REI and other sponsors. The full schedule and game rules are posted on the program website (go to www.riparks.com).

The Grand Finale will include:
  • Finale Competitions!!! (Grand Finale & Closing Ceremony, from 3:15 - 3:45 p.m.)


  • Free Picnic Lunch - All natural hot dog, organic chips and bottle of water for each registered team member provided by Whole Foods Market


  • Music featuring DJ Nightlife


  • Wild fun and pandemonium with the Big Nazo's


  • Make and Take Arts and Crafts, sponsored by Coast 93.3


  • Tunes the Turtle appearance, sponsored by Coast 93.3


  • Free healthy food samples, Make Your Own Trail Mix and discount coupons from Whole Foods Market


  • Yoga Class: Power Vinyasa Flow with Sarah Daigle of Open Heart Yoga (bring your yoga mat if you have one)


  • Rock Climbing with the Rhode Island National Guard


  • Kids Obstacle Course with the YMCA of Greater Providence


  • Kids Great Outdoors Pursuit Games with Ranger Rosa


  • Touch Tank with DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife


  • Guided historical walks and talks through the event site, hourly starting at 10 a.m. Tours will be provided to RI Great Outdoors Pursuit teams at discounted rates. (Teams with 2-3 people: $4 per person; Teams with 4-6 people: $16 total)


  • Health and Wellness Education with the American Diabetes Association


  • & More
The event will take place rain or shine. In the event of severe inclement weather on the day of the event please call (401) 847-2400 after 8:00 a.m. for cancellation notices.

Support for the project comes from numerous game partners, including United HealthCare, Wal-Mart, Eastern Mountain Sports, Hasbro, Inc., Kids First, REI, Rhode Island Department of Health, Coast 93.3, the Rhode Island National Guard and Whole Foods Markets.

For more information, contact Steven Wright at (401) 222-2632 or email at RIparks@dem.ri.gov or Terri Bisson at (401) 222-3434, ext. 4402 or email at terri.bisson@dem.ri.gov.

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