Biggest Loser CVille in the News

Jerry Ratcliffe wrote an article on the Biggest Loser Cville contest

http://www2.dailyprogress.com/cdp/sports/columnists/ratcliffe_on/article/ex-uva_backer_copper_in_search_of_area_losers/55815/

Ex-UVa ’backer Copper in search of area losers

Scattershooting around the Charlottesville sports community over your morning coffee …

Anyone that knows UVa football knows Jon Copper, the former Cavalier linebacker that led the team in tackles for three straight years.

Copper, who graduated after the 2008 season, has stuck around Charlottesville and hopes to make a difference in the community.  He has come up with a healthy idea.

You’ve seen “The Biggest Loser” on television, where regular people have neglected their health, let themselves go for years, only to drop amazing amounts of weight while seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Copper has created his own version of that contest here: “Biggest Loser Charlottesville.” He is challenging folks in the area to enter the contest and to discover a healthier way to live.

The contest starts on May 22 and runs for 10 weeks, through July 31. The person that loses the most weight (total pounds) will win a $1,000 prize, as will the person that loses the most weight (percentage). Second and third-place prizes will also be awarded in each catagory. Anyone can enter for a fee of $30 and all proceeds will go directly to benefiting the Hope Community Center, which works with the homeless, food distribution to the needy and are advocates for children.

“We’re hoping to get 200 to 300 or more people involved in this contest,” said Copper, who is also a physical trainer. “A similar event for a non-profit organization in a smaller city attracted 300 entries.”

Anyone interested can enter the event by visiting http://www.biggestlosercville.com.

“At least twice a week we will be offering information about overall lifestyle changes and dietary tips, in addition to giving updates on the contest,” Copper said. “The contest might attract people who will go on crash diets, but what we’re trying to do is encourage true lifestyle changes so that these people can live healthier lives well after the contest is over.”

There will be two community events, the initial weigh-in on the 22nd and the final weigh-in on July 31. Two other weigh-ins will be conducted in between those two dates.