Shape Up RI 2010 Co-Chairs

Governor Donald L. Carcieri

“At the closing ceremony of the Shape Up RI campaign, I saw first-hand the excitement and pride of people from all over Rhode Island as they celebrated their accomplishments. Shape Up RI is, in my opinion, one of the most significant movements in our state. Teams of people work together to increase their physical activity and healthy eating. The results were remarkable for the participants and made a noteworthy impact on the overall health of the state.

I wholeheartedly endorse this campaign and encourage every Rhode Islander to join their family, friends, or co-workers to form teams and to take positive steps toward a healthier life.“

Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy

“In my family, physical fitness is a way of life instilled in me and my siblings and cousins while we were learning to walk. As my uncle, President Kennedy, said, “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body. It is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.“ Please join me as we encourage all Rhode Islanders to take the first steps on the road to physical fitness.“

Joseph Amaral, MD
Former President and CEO, Rhode Island Hospital

“I am proud to serve as co-chair of this wonderful initiative. Every day at Rhode Island Hospital physicians care for many Rhode Islanders who find themselves in the hospital as a direct result of obesity or lack of exercise. We know we can change that and we urge all Rhode Islanders to consider taking part in the Shape Up RI challenge, begin a healthier lifestyle, and ultimately, be able to enjoy a longer life.“

Karen Adams
WPRI 12 News Anchor

“I think we have all forgotten how to take care of ourselves, because we move through our lives so quickly. Taking care of ourselves and our physical well-being takes time and planning. It is my hope that this innovative program will teach us how to be healthier, how to eat better, and how to get the most out of our time for exercise.“

Rep. Gordon D. Fox
Rhode Island House Majority Leader

“The ancient advice calling for a sound mind in a sound body resonates to this very day. As lawmakers, my colleagues and I are asked to see the connective tissue that links major policy areas. So I can tell you that physical fitness, and the overall good health that it promotes, have direct and significant impacts on the economy and on politics in general.“

Suzanne Carcieri
First Lady of Rhode Island

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that “the first wealth is health,“ and I have experienced the truth of those words in my own life. Unfortunately, with the hectic pace of life in these modern times, many people have difficulty finding time to safeguard their own health by exercising or eating properly. That is why Governor Carcieri and I have made wellness a priority, working to bring programs to Rhode Island worksites and striving to encourage healthier habits in our schools and communities.

Programs such as Shape Up RI make it fun for Rhode Islanders to increase their physical activity and eat more nutritious foods. The program's approach inspires enthusiasm for healthful goals and promotes a supportive environment for participants working together to improve their health. I am pleased to support the many Rhode Islanders who have joined with Shape Up RI to become more fit and take control of their health.

Barbara Morse Silva
NBC 10 Health Reporter

Shape Up RI is an amazing, innovative and motivating program. As health reporter, I hear this all too often: “I don't have time to work out. I don't have time to eat right.” We make time to go to work. We make time to take our kids to their football and soccer games and cheerleading competitions. Why not make time to get fit so you can continue to be able to keep up with your busy lifestyle. Shape Up RI helps motivate folks to MAKE THAT TIME. There's the camaraderie factor, the competition...oh, and the added benefit of looking and feeling better. I am honored and privileged to be a part of this campaign to get Rhode Islanders on the healthy track. Staying fit makes ME feel better and it can make YOU feel better too!
View Barbara Morse Silva's coverage on Shape Up RI.

Management

Rajiv Kumar
Founder & Chairman

“I have been thinking for a long time about the health problems that we face as a nation and the tremendous impact they are having here at home in Rhode Island. It is clear to me that right now there is no greater imperative than reversing our growing obesity epidemic by promoting healthy and active lifestyles.“ Click here to read more.

Colin Murphy, RN, MBA
Executive Director

“It is a great opportunity to be serving the mission of Shape Up RI that has done, and continues to do, so much good for the people of Rhode Island. We are having a direct positive impact on the health of Rhode Islanders.”

Ray Rickman
Senior Consultant & President, Rickman Group

“Rajiv Kumar has created a wonderful community-based initiative to fight obesity and related illnesses. Shape Up RI will give us a chance to make Rhode Island an example for the nation as we try to regain a healthy lifestyle.”