Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • Page 0-20

Aided by a big loser, Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Northbrook helped kick an awareness-raising campaign May 4 for Th Matchup, a national weight-loss challenge competition. Pete omas, who lost 185 pounds while competing on Biggest in 2005, visited with members, sta and guests at the club. In addition to lifting weights, running, stretching and showing part of the formula for his fi tness transformation, Th omas shared encouragement and inspiration with sta club members and members of the general public. Matchup, which offi cially begins May 15, will reward top-performing teams with $18,000. Th involvement is in partnership with HealthyWage, an online network that pays members for improved health.

thrilled to collaborate in this way and having Pete on hand was a real pleasure for said Lina Lubbat, chief club offi cer at Five Seasons. time you combine fi tness and fi nancial stakes, got a recipe for great fun and fundamental change that improves lives in a long-term Registration for the contest is open through Saturday, May 15. All teams will receive fi tness, nutrition, and weight-loss coaching from Th omas and another successful former contestant from Biggest Neil Tejwani, as well as professionals at thousands of participating gyms. weigh-in collaboration with gyms across the country is designed to create accountability, build community and ensure long-term, sustainable results. no secret that cash incentives are one of the most eff ec- tive ways to inspire positive health HealthyWage cofounder David Roddenberry said.

is method is being used by local governments, insurance companies, employers, and even the new federal healthcare bill. However, Th Matchup is the fi rst national weight-loss competition open to all Matchup invites teams of fi ve to compete for the greatest percentage of weight lost from May 15-Aug. 15. Each team pays $100 at enrollment, and weighs in at the start and the end at one of thousands of gym partners across the country. omas and teammate Tejwani who together lost and kept 396 pounds will motivate teams with tips, workout suggestions and tales from the ranch.

Upon entering Th Matchup, participants will receive fi tness orientation and advice from a trained fi tness professional. In addition to Five Seasons, which has seven locations throughout the Midwest including one in Burr Ridge, roster of gym partners includes Lady of America, (Ladies Workout Express, Health Clubs of America) California Family Fitness, Kingley Health, Adventure Boot Camp, Spectrum Health Clubs, and franchises of Curves and YMCA. For more information on Th Matchup, go to thematchup.net. is story was submitted by Matt Baron, InsideEdge PR, an Oak Park-based public relations fi rm. Pete Thomas, center, and two club members take a break from working out.

Photo submitted by Matt Baron Loser helps kick-o weight loss challenge TribLocal-area badminton players qualify for state By Jeff Vorva TRIBLOCAL.COM REPORTER Defending state champion Fremd will be seeking its third badminton crown in four years. Vikings along with several other Tri- bLocal-area teams participate in the Illinois High School Association state tournament May 14 and 15 at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. New Trier, which has collected a state-record seven titles over the years and Andrew, which has six titles, are also eyeing more hardware for their schools. sectionals were contested May 6 and 7 and here is a look at the state qual ers: Bu alo Grove won the team title. Glenbrook Denielle Balzano, Jackie Hertrich and Bu alo Deanna Guyton and Ulana Kuryluk quali- ed for state in singles play.

Bu alo Ashton Nisbet and Nell Byjos, Carly Gallus and Glenbrook Angela Nelson quali ed in doubles. Nisbet sisters are the defending state champions. For more results, go to triblocal.com. TRIBLOCAL.COM SPORTS Northbrook Glenview Golf Post your sports stories and photos at triblocal.com and you may see them here next week. SHORTS Thursday night racing in full swing at Velodrome The featured, 10-mile scratch race will take place from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

May 20 at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, Meadowhill Park, 1500 Maple Northbrook. The Northbrook Cycle Committee plans to time the race as it will serve as the cial 10-mile race record for the Velodrome. The spectator fee is $2 for ages 12 and older. Children younger than 12 are admitted free. For more information, go to northbrookvelodrome.org.

Park District Park district to host Kids Fishing Derby May 22 The annual Kids Fishing Derby returns from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 22 at Lake Shermerville in Wood Oaks Green Park, 1250 Sanders Road, Northbrook. Admission is free. The park district will provide equipment and volunteers will help with the bait.

There are prizes in each age group for children who catch the most sh. No experience or shing license is required. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase. For more information, call 847-291-2995. Park District GBN player gets Mr.

Basketball vote Glenbrook Alex Dragicevich and Duje Dukan led TribLo- cal-area basketball players when they tied for fth place in the Illinois Mr. Basketball voting. Vorva, triblocal.com reporter TL11 TRIBLOCAL.COM MAY 13 2010 20.