The Mayor’s Fitness Council of San Antonio is proud to release our 2020 Annual Report. We invite you to take time to scroll through our virtual report and see how we’re working towards a healthier, more active San Antonio.
Message from Mayor Ron Nirenberg:
The COVID-19 pandemic shook the ground beneath our feet. Our city grappled with the
unimaginable this past year, but we held strong throughout these unprecedented times.
We have shown what a resilient city truly looks like. I am proud of the way San Antonio
residents have carried themselves during these trying times. From volunteering at the Food
Bank, making meals for our most vulnerable populations, and simply staying at home, the
actions of our residents have reminded me that San Antonians always come together in
times of need.
Despite these challenges, our residents found ways to stay active and prioritize their
mental well-being. The mission of the Mayor’s Fitness Council is to increase awareness and
connect San Antonio residents to opportunities for improved emotional well-being, physical
activity, and healthy eating. If anything, the pandemic highlighted how important it is to
check in on one another and prioritize our mental health. Earlier on in the pandemic, Spurs
Player Lonnie Walker IV and I hosted a health and wellness check-in, where we discussed
ways to practice mindfulness and maintain healthy mental wellness strategies.
With the core of the MFC mission in mind, the council also relaunched a mental and
behavioral health tool kit as a resource for all San Antonio residents. While our residents
remained at home during the height of the pandemic, many also developed a newfound
appreciation for our extensive parks system, including our greenway hike and bike trails.
We saw a record number of San Antonians take to their parks and trail systems, truly
showcasing the importance of investing in green spaces and staying active outdoors.
While the year 2020 had us adjust to a “new normal,” it also marked the MFC being named
a Project Play Champion by the Aspen Institute for our Student Ambassador Program.
The MFC has empowered student leaders in grades 5th – 12th to serve as healthy change
agents in their schools and communities for years, and I am proud that the program
received this national recognition for its positive impact in our community.
As last year came to a close, the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge encouraged our
community to gather as one. I’m incredibly proud that we were once again crowned the
champions for the metro category. I’ve seen the impact of the relationships built between
schools, our elected officials, and the community at large. Our recognition as the top-ranking metropolitan city showcases that San Antonians exceeded the challenge to be
active and eat smarter. Congratulations to all of the participants who contributed to making
this our most impactful Community Challenge yet.
The health of our community is key as we seek to advance equity, promote well-being, and
recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember, the work does not stop now. Thanks, San
Antonio. We’re in this together!
In Health,
Mayor Ron Nirenberg