Michigan Kids Champion Fitness And Fun In Video/Essay Contest

DETROIT (WWJ) - Too many kids in Michigan are inactive and overweight — and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Vice President Andy Hetzel says that's the reason for the #MIKidsCan contest, asking kids across the state to share their favorite ways to be active healthy.

Students age 7 to 14 were challenged to create a two-minute video or submit a photo and short essay answering the question: "What's your favorite way to get moving and be active?"

Sixth grader Makayla Pawlowski, who attends Larson Middle School in Troy, is one of the finalists in the video category.

"I thought it would be cool to encourage people to...stay healthy and show them what they could do to stay healthy," she told WWJ Newsradio 950's Greg Bowman.

In her video, Pawlowski demonstrates some of her favorite ways to keep active.

"I like the play sports, like cheerleading, tumbling, basketball, softball, football...and, like, water skiing, tubing, a bunch of other stuff," Pawlowski said.  "Plus, I like to have a balanced meal — every single meal."

The emtry with the most online votes wins a visit by Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to the child's school or group.

To view finalist entries and vote, visit AHealthierMichigan.org/mikidscan. Voting runs through Nov. 14 at 11:59 p.m. EST.  Winners will be announced Nov. 18.