BENTONVILLE — Joe Wilson set the foundation for the NWA Fitness & Health Sports Festival last year, and now he’s intent on making it bigger and better.
Wilson, the founder of the NWA Fitness and Health Foundation, has added more activities for this year’s event, which takes place Saturday at Bentonville High School. Included in the list of events is a powerlifting challenge and “Arkansas’ Strongest Man Competition,” which consists of five different feats of strength.
NWA Fitness and Health Sports Festival
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Bentonville
ADMISSION: Free
SCHEDULE
Arkansas' Strongest Man 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
NWA Natural Championships: 8:30 to 11 a.m. (prejudging) 5 to 8:30 p.m. (Finals)
Fitness & Health Expo 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Last year, the only events we had were the bodybuilding show and the ‘Pump n Run’ obstacle course, and we had the expo,” said Wilson, who is also a math teacher at Bentonville High School. “One guy on my board of directors, his expertise lies in marketing and event planning, so he showed me how to set up the event better so people driving by can see what’s going on.
“We even had things set up indoors, and we’re expecting a lot more people to come. Last year we had 400-500 people show up, and I’m expecting good numbers — around 1,500-2,000 people.”
The expo, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., includes inflatables, as well as soccer, cheerleading and fencing demonstrations. Outdoor events will be held between the two school buildings, while indoor events will take place inside the south commons and band room.
The staple of the event, however, continues to be the obstacle course, which is the only one of its kind in the state. Participants will do a fun run — 1 mile for kids and 5 kilometers for the adults — filled with obstacles such as tires, hurdles, balance beams as well as areas will runners must crawl and other actions involving upper and lower body strength. Times can be dropped depending on how many pushups a child can do or how much an adult can bench press according to their weight.
“The Pump n Run was created by one of my friends who is also a bodybuilder,” Wilson said. “He thought of this concept just to try to get the fitness enthusiast.
“It’s a rare feat to find a real bodybuilder because it’s tough. We want to find those who like to exercise, like to run, like going to the gym and not be too critical on what they eat. They’ll have fun doing it.”
Admission to the expo is free, but there is an entry fee for compete in certain competitions. Those in attendance may purchase wrist bands for $10 each, which gives them product samples, access to certain activities, lunch and half-price admission to the NWA Natural Competition that evening as well as prizes to be given away during the expo.
“I’ve got a lot of stuff to give away, and I don’t want to take it home.” Wilson said.