The Southeast Regional LawFit Challenge, hosted by Olive Branch this summer, could become an annual event in DeSoto County, according to Dr. Dave Bever, director of the National Center for Public Safety and event founder.

“It was absolutely great – the hospitality, the facilities, everything,” Bever said by phone from his Virginia home. “I’m extremely grateful for everything that was done to make this event so successful.”

Police officers from throughout the southeastern United States attended the June 3-5 event in Olive Branch. Events were held at locations around Olive Branch, including City Park and Olive Branch High School.

“Most colleges and universities would love to have Olive Branch High School’s weight room,” Bever added. “And that turf field (at Pool Field) presented no problems.”

The LawFit Challenge features four person teams, pairs and individual competitors. It consists of a series of six fitness and job-related competitive events:

n  One repetition maximum bench press (based on percentage of body weight);

n  One minute timed sit-up test;

n  Sit and reach flexibility test;

n  Pull-ups;

n  200-yard agility course (series of work performance obstacles); and

n  1.5 mile run.

“It was a very successful three days,” Bever noted. “We’re spreading the word that we’d like to keep a home base in the southeast, right there in Olive Branch.”

According to Bever, the challenge fills an important need in the lives of police officers. While there are fitness tests for officers during their initial training, there are no national annual physical requirements. Due to the stress associated with their job – and the lack of physical activity – too many officers are falling victim to heart attacks and strokes at an early age.

“We’ve got to pay more attention to the fitness of these officers,” Bever explained, “so they can go home to their families.

“It’s something that kind of goes under the radar,” he continued. “Once you get out of the academy, it’s up to you to stay in shape.”

The focus of the challenge, Bever added, isn’t to turn officers into powerlifters, body builders or football players. Instead of competing against their comrades, the challenge is designed for officers to compete against themselves.

“We don’t care what you score; you’re trying to set a personal best,” Bever observed. “If you compete, then you’re a worthy competitor.

“I take my hat off to everyone that competed in Olive Branch,” he added. “I was greatly impressed with the hospitality of the folks in Olive Branch, and look forward to coming back next year.”