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Africa West Festival Program Set for June 11 & 12, 2010

Metro Technology confirms once again their sustaining support and commitment to the Oklahoma City community by hosting Africa West 2009. As premier sponsor, Metro Tech will house thousands of attendees for the two-day event.  However, providing the actual space is just  a small component of their contribution. Since 2008, Metro Tech has been strategically working with The Capitol Chamber of Commerce with program needs, logistics, technology, security, staffing and marketing for the festival. 

“Our partnership with The Capitol Chamber for Africa West really goes back to our mission… preparing people for successful employment and life in a global society,” said Dr. Branscum, Superintendent for Metro Tech. “When you combine events that promote cultural awareness with the educational programs scheduled at Africa West, it provides the balance our local community needs to be successful in an ever-changing society and provides a great venue for adults and children to learn together. We’re proud to be a partner with such a momentous event and look forward to hosting all of Oklahoma City. ”

With such a wide-variety of entertainment and exhibits, Metro Tech’s expertise in hosting events assisted with the event’s lay-out and logistical flow, ensuring both vendors and visitors experience the most out of the campus’s indoor and outdoor accommodations. This includes the coordination of a scenic route for the 5K  Run and 2K Fun Walk throughout various  northeast neighborhoods and parks.

Their robust and diverse on-site technological capabilities will be used to display everything from event information such as maps and directions, to historical facts on monitors located throughout the campus. In addition, the Technology Plaza will provide an entertaining, yet informative exhibit showcasing the role technology has played in the growth of today’s society.

Africa West participants will also enjoy the high-level of on-site security supplied by Metro Tech as well. From parking to the Kids Plaza, the 24/7 security will provide a “family welcoming environment” for children and adults.

Staffing was one of the biggest logistics coordinated with Metro Tech for the festival.  Their diverse team of experts ranging from marketing to maintenance, played a major role in accomplishing the event’s agenda and program needs.

Promotion of the event proved to be another great collaborative effort with Metro Tech. They sponsored 30 billboards across the Oklahoma City area enabling the festival to reach audiences outside the northeast quadrant of Oklahoma City. This type of exposure will assist with increasing attendance, as well as a branding effort making Africa West a much anticipated annual event in the community.

An added component at this year’s festival is the decision for Metro Tech to “Go Green.”  Recycling containers placed strategically around the campus will provide an opportunity for attendees to assist with recycling trash throughout the event.  This conscious effort not only promotes a “green-friendly” environment, but also echoes Metro Techs commitment as a community partner  to lead by setting an example.  Their hope is that local businesses will follow this initiative to keep the northeast quadrant of Oklahoma City a clean and healthy place to live.

During the event, the attendees can also enjoy the convenience of picking up information or signing up for Metro Tech courses. From class schedules, to tuition to career counseling, Metro Tech staff will be ready to assist interested even-goers with learning more about the educational and diverse programs at Metro Tech.

For more information on Africa West and/or Metro Tech, visit www.capitolchamber.org or   www.metrotech.org

5K & 2K Run Route Set

"Running as an exercise can strengthen the limbs, develop the lungs, exercise the will and promote the circulation of the blood. Running is well adapted to both young and middle-aged persons. Sedentary persons may find great benefit in it after the day's work is ended. Girls can run as well as boys, and while they cannot go so fast, they can run much more gracefully."

-- Scientific American (1883)

Oklahoma City and Tulsa are two of the most unfit cities in the nation according to "Self" magazine and childhood obesity continue to afflict Oklahoma per the Kaiser Family Foundation's most recent survey.  Oklahoma faces serious health challenges. The reasons for this condition are primarily poor eating habits and lack of exercise. As a state, Oklahoma ranks as one of the unhealthiest in the nation. Widespread efforts and opportunities are needed to encourage healthy behaviors and active lifestyles to improve this situation.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett has asked the residents of his city to take the "fitness challenge."  The challenge encourages individuals, businesses and community organizations to step up efforts for fitness and health among adults and children. In an effort to support the Mayor’s "fitness challenge"   and to encourage a healthier lifestyle for Oklahomans, the Africa West Festival is encouraging all citizens to participate in the festival’s 5K and 2K Family Fun Runs on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

Running is one of the best activities most people can do to improve their health. Regular running has become a treatment option for doctors to prescribe to patients who are at a high risk, or early stages, of osteoporosis, diabetes, and hypertension. It reduces the risk of heart attacks, by strengthening the heart and lowering blood pressure. Running regularly can help with weight loss, reducing the risk of stroke and breast cancer, fighting aging and disease, and with generally staying physically healthy. Stress relief is another huge benefit of running. Whether by allowing you the time to think about life's problems or time to escape them for awhile, tension flies easily by the wayside as you fly over the miles. It provides a feeling of empowerment and freedom that comes with knowing that your legs and body are strong and capable. Confidence is even more a product of running for those who lose weight and gain a better self-image through running.

The benefits of running on the health of your body and your mind are clear. Running also benefit the community and culture. Competition, the friends, and the atmosphere of friendliness (even during competition) are all things that the running community can provide.

Come out and join the Africa West Festival running community to compete, meet friends, make new friends, and for health.

When:                      Saturday, June 13, 2009

Where:                     The Metro Technology Center’s Springlake Campus

Time:                        7 AM Registration, 8 AM Race Starts

Africa West Program Schedule