By Josh Bergeron

The Selma Times-Journal

 

Selma may be a bit healthier after Saturday.

The McRae-Gaines Learning Center and Wallace Community College-Selma are hosting a health fair Saturday, beginning at 6:45 a.m. with registration.

The health fair will take place the Wallace Community College and will include a 5K run, fun run, free health screenings and vendor fair. Former National Football League player and fitness profession Kevin Drake is also scheduled to attend the event.

On Wednesday, the learning center announced the fastest male and female in the 5K run will receive $100 dollars each.

But event chair Stephanie Hamm said the biggest benefit may come from the health screenings and vendor fair after the 5K run.

“There is absolute a benefit to the people that might not have access to medical care,” Hamm said. “The person can walk away with some basic medical information to carry with them. If they don’t have access to medical care, things can get out of control quickly.”

The screenings are free and will include blood sugar, body mass, dental screenings and vision tests.

In order to get into the vendor fair, Hamm said attendees must receive a health screening or participate in some other form of health education being offered at Get Fit Selma.

Free food will be available at the event, but the learning center’s parent teacher organization will also be selling food.

“The only thing you have to pay for is to participate in the race,” Hamm said.

She said the learning center is hoping for 500 to 1,000 attendees. The center is also hopes to raise nearly $10,000, which will be used for teacher salaries and support.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the center had raised approximately $6,000 through sponsorships. The center will also generate money from the 5K.

“A private school can’t do it with tuition only, fundraising is also important,” Hamm said. “We hope that the event is successful enough to host one again in the future.”

The run begins at 8 a.m. and the entry fee is $20 for adults and $15 for youth.