The 2nd Sunday program was recently named a Commonwealth Collaborative by UK President Lee T. Todd. President Todd has articulated a vision for his administration to turn UK's research resources toward addressing and solving the "Kentucky Uglies," his term for long-entrenched problems that are holding back the state's economic and cultural progress.

President Todd selected 23 projects aimed at improving Kentucky's schools, business climate, environment, health care, and lifestyles, which he termed as Commonwealth Collaboratives. These collaborative projects between the University and the community are a partnership binding UK's researchers, K-12 educators, independent health care providers, entrepreneurs, industries, local government officials and private citizens who will participate in -- and benefit from -- these projects.

2nd Sunday is an event coordinated by the UK Cooperative Extension Service through a partnership with UK HealthCare, local governments and other community partners. It encourages Kentuckians of all ages to participate in different kinds of physical activity within their local environment. During 2nd Sunday events, local governments close a section of a road in the county to traffic for four hours and open it up for different varieties of physical activity including running, walking, skateboarding and in-line skating. 

 "2nd Sunday is not just one afternoon of physical activity, but a vehicle to raise awareness of the need for local infrastructure that promotes a healthy lifestyle in an otherwise sedentary population," said Diana Doggett, Second Sunday state coordinator. "It serves as a platform to showcase community programs that are positively affecting the state's health, economy and environment.  2nd Sunday's success in 101 counties in 2009 is directly related to statewide collaborative partnerships and a passion to effectively change the lives of families." 

The last 2nd Sunday was held on October 11, 2009 in 101 Kentucky communities. Thousands of Kentuckians explored ways to be physically active, get and stay healthy. "Events like 2nd Sunday are important for turning around an unhealthy culture in Kentucky and can be the catalyst for
motivating local communities to adapt and/or build environments that help sustain healthy lifestyles," said Doggett.

For more information on 2nd Sunday, please visit www.2ndsundayky.com/.