EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. –When* *Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer canceled the final day of minicamp practice Thursday, it gave cornerback Jabari Price an extra day to recharge before taking off for the walk of a lifetime.
On a mission to spread awareness about childhood obesity, Price will depart from his hometown of Pompano Beach, Florida, Saturday to begin "**The Walk of Hearts**," a nearly 1,300-mile journey with its finish line in Washington, D.C. Price's older brother and CEO of the Walk of Hearts foundation, Dahrnaz Tigner, will join Price in the effort.
Price and Tigner first became passionate about the issue of childhood obesity through First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign. The brothers want to further her efforts and hope Obama will join the Walk of Hearts for the final mile in Washington, D.C.
"We've seen Michelle Obama push awareness for the cause, and we're taking that next step ourselves," said Price, who recently became a first-time father.
During the walk, Price and Tigner plan to meet and invite local children to participate in "The Mile of Hearts," where they'll have a chance to walk a mile with the brothers and learn more about a healthy lifestyle. The idea behind the activity is to show children that exercising and losing weight can be fun and a part of everyday life.
"We will be taking stops along the way to raise awareness," Price said. "Exercising, riding bikes, doing the whole nine yards to promote this idea and show kids, 'If we can do it, you can do it.' We want them to just get out and play 60 minutes a day, whatever it takes."
Price will walk for the first two weeks of the trip before breaking off to continue his offseason regimen prior to the Vikings training camp. According to the walk schedule, Price will cover over 400 miles before separating from Tigner. Although he's unable to participate in the entirety of the walk, Price is excited to provide fun, practical ideas for youth to make lifestyle changes while also spreading awareness to parents.
"The health concerns, with diabetes and everything else like that, is [serious]," Price said. "I would hate to see a life taken at a young age. These are things we should be aware of as adults and help children to be aware of, too.
"I hate to make it sound scary, but they should be aware," Price added. "It's important, and that's our main cause – trying to save lives. Especially these young ones that are growing up to
Individuals desiring to learn more about the Walk of Hearts or make a donation can do so ****here***. *
