Leaders and Co-Chairs

Governor Donald L. Carcieri

"At the closing ceremony of the Shape Up Rhode Island 2007 campaign last May, I saw first-hand the excitement and pride of people from all over Rhode Island as they celebrated their accomplishments. Shape Up Rhode Island is, in my opinion, one of the most significant movements in our state. Teams of people work together to increase their physical activity and healthy eating. The results were remarkable for the participants and made a noteworthy impact on the overall health of the state.

This year, the campaign will run from February 4th to April 27th. I wholeheartedly endorse this campaign and encourage every Rhode Islander to join their family, friends, or co-workers to form teams and to take positive steps toward a healthier life."

Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy

"In my family, physical fitness is a way of life instilled in me and my siblings and cousins while we were learning to walk. As my uncle, President Kennedy, said, “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body. It is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” Please join me as we encourage all Rhode Islanders to take the first steps on the road to physical fitness."

Joseph Amaral, MD
Former President and CEO, Rhode Island Hospital

"I am proud to serve as co-chair of this wonderful initiative. Every day at Rhode Island Hospital we take care of many Rhode Islanders who find themselves in the hospital as a direct result of obesity or lack of exercise. We know we can change that and we urge all Rhode Islanders to consider taking part in the Shape Up Rhode Island challenge, begin a healthier lifestyle, and ultimately, be able to enjoy a longer life."

Karen Adams
WPRI 12 News Anchor

"I think we have all forgotten how to take care of ourselves, because we move through our lives so quickly. Taking care of ourselves and our physical well-being takes time and planning. It is my hope that this innovative program will teach us how to be healthier, how to eat better, and how to get the most out of our time for exercise."

Rep. Gordon D. Fox
Rhode Island House Majority Leader

"The ancient advice calling for a sound mind in a sound body resonates to this very day. As lawmakers, my colleagues and I are asked to see the connective tissue that links major policy areas. So I can tell you that physical fitness, and the overall good health that it promotes, have direct and significant impacts on the economy and on politics in general."

Rajiv Kumar
Founder & Chairman

"I have been thinking for a long time about the health problems that we face as a nation and the tremendous impact they are having here at home in Rhode Island. It is clear to me that right now there is no greater imperative than reversing our growing obesity epidemic by promoting healthy and active lifestyles." Click here to read more.

Ray Rickman
President, Rickman Group
Shape Up RI Chief Advisor

"Rajiv Kumar has created a wonderful community-based initiative to fight obesity and related illnesses. Shape Up RI will give us a chance to make Rhode Island an example for the nation as we try to regain a healthy lifestyle."