Carl Lewis home again, promoting fitness

Olympic track star Carl Lewis has returned to South Jersey with a mission: promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles for local youngsters and their families.

Last night, Lewis announced plans for a "Family Fitness Festival Weekend" next spring as the start of what he hoped would be a wide-ranging series of events and programs sponsored by the Carl Lewis Foundation.

"This all comes from the lessons I learned from my father and mother," Lewis said during a reception at an automobile dealership in Edgewater Park, Burlington County.

The 1979 Willingboro High graduate won nine Olympic gold medals from 1984 through 1996. He recently relocated to South Jersey, although he has a residence in Southern California. Lewis hopes to generate corporate sponsorship for his foundation's programs. One of his goals is the construction of an indoor track facility in the Willingboro area that would serve as a showplace for the sport. "I know these are difficult economic times, but we can't afford not to do this," said Lewis, who met with potential sponsors during the informal gathering.

Lewis said the kickoff event would likely be held between mid-April and mid-May. The weekend will include a private gala Friday evening and a full day of activities Saturday: a five-kilometer run and walk, a youth track meet and clinic, and a health and fitness fair.

Citing his contacts in the music industry, Lewis promised that a "major" artist would perform at a concert that would wrap up the event. "Carl has come back to town and he's come back with a purpose," said Chris Walker, a member of the Willingboro Board of Education. "He doesn't forget where he came from."