LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - As Christmas approaches, the community is invited to help support our troops in Afghanistan, and at the same time, participate in a fitness challenge.

Sponsored by the Lock Haven University Strength, Conditioning & Fitness Club, the Paratrooper Team Fitness Challenge is open to both college students and community participants alike, as teams consisting of four individuals will compete in events in order to test both teamwork and physical ability, and raise money and support for the troops of the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Event coordinator Scott Liddick, an LHU Recreation Management major who served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, said that Christmastime donations mean a lot to those serving overseas.

“Getting a package from back home shows the community’s support and that somebody cares,” Liddick said, reflecting on receiving support packages when he served in Afghanistan and Iraq. “I know this will mean a lot to my buddies who are over there right now. You don’t have the option to just go out to the neighborhood supermarket and pick up goods. Care packages from home really go a long way.”

On Saturday, Nov. 10, beginning at 10 a.m. at LHU’s Student Recreation Center, the teams will meet and compete in activities that include bench pressing one’s body weight as many times as possible, timed climbing on a climbing wall, doing as many sit-ups as possible in one minute, a timed one-mile run and a sandbag carry. Top teams will receive prizes.

The $20 registration fee goes to support the troops by purchasing items such as calling cards, non-perishable foods, books and other needed supplies. Donated items also are being accepted at Fitness Unlimited and the LHU Student Recreation Center that have been identified on a list prepared by the troops, available at both locations and upon request. Monetary donations also are being accepted by the club through contacting the event coordinator. The club is looking for businesses and individuals to supply prizes for participants.

For more information on the challenge and on requested items for donation, contact Scott Liddick, sliddick@lhup.edu, (717) 491-4164.