Nearly three dozen North Bergen police officers are currently pitted against one another in a difficult and challenging competition, with every last one them a loser. At least that’s the goal. They are competing to see who can drop the most body weight in five weeks.
The person who loses the most will take home about $850. The same amount will be donated to the Special Olympics of New Jersey. The entire event is a fundraiser, one of several the police department holds each year for the cause.
“Over the last decade, the North Bergen Police has been a top 10 law enforcement fundraiser in the entire state of New Jersey,” said Lt. Arthur Del, head of the department’s fundraising committee and liaison to the Special Olympics. He took over the role three years ago from Chief Robert Dowd, who held the position for 12 years prior.
The “Biggest Loser Challenge” is organized and run by Police Officer Saray Durango, and it is open to all officers and civilian employees.
“It’s a five-week challenge,” explained Durango. The cost is $50 per person, with half the proceeds going to the winner and half to the Special Olympics. As of the start date, April 13, a total of 34 people were participating.
Professional fitness advice and oversight
The contestants gathered in the Police Athletic League building on Tonnelle Avenue on day one to take stats for the competition.
“Today is the weigh-in,” said Durango. “It’s confidential. They go inside and take a photo and do the BMI, which is body-mass index, and in five weeks we all come back and do it all over again.”
The 10-minute weigh-in was administered by Xiomara “Xio” Colon, who is volunteering her time from her day job at Crunch Fitness in Hoboken.
“Saray and I are friends,” said Colon. “We did this event a few years back and she had great success with it. I’m in the fitness industry so she brought it to my attention that she’d like to do it again this month and I said absolutely, count me in.”
In the five weeks the competition lasts, Colon will remain in contact with the competitors.
“I wanted some sort of motivation for everyone to work out.” –Police Officer Saray Durango
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“I wanted some sort of motivation for everyone to work out,” said Durango about her impetus to start the contest. “A friendly competition to get them motivated.”
Two years ago, the first time she organized the event, the winner took home about $500. “It’s much better this year,” she said enthusiastically.
Raising funds for a good cause
The North Bergen Police Department engages in numerous fundraising activities over the course of the year. “We do several different events for Special Olympics to raise money,” said Durango.
Coming up on May 30 is an Emergency Responder Dodgeball Tournament at the North Bergen Recreation Center. On June 11 is a PBA Dinner Dance at Tapas Restaurant. And on June 12 will be the Law Enforcement Torch Run down Bergenline Avenue.
Also forthcoming, with dates to be announced, are a domino tournament and a charity basketball game featuring North Bergen Police Department personnel versus North Bergen High School students.
But first the current contestants have to buckle down, curb their appetites, hit the gym, and drop those pounds.
“In the end no one’s going to lose because we’re all going to get healthier,” said Durango.
Art Schwartz may be reached at arts@hudsonreporter.com.