MCHD Cannon Team serves as starters for Double Tunnel Vision 5K
May 7, 2022
MCHD Cannon Team serves as starters for Double Tunnel Vision 5K
MOBILE, Alabama — The Mobile County Health Department’s Cannon Team made its second outing of 2022 this morning by marking the start of the Double Tunnel Vision 5K race sponsored by the Lions Club of Mobile.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Lions Club. In recognition of this milestone, Kevin Harrison – President of the Lions Club of Mobile – fired the MCHD cannon.
The race began on Canal Street between Scott Street and Bayou Street. Between the start and finish, participants ran down Government Street, through the Bankhead Tunnel, circled around the tunnel entrance, and came back through the tunnel to run up Government Street to finish at the Oyster City Brewing Company.
Proceeds from the Double Tunnel Vision 5K will benefit the sight programs of the Lions Club of Mobile. To learn more about this program, please visit www.lionsclubofmobile.org.
In 2016, an initiative called “MCHD Declares War on Physical Inactivity” began. Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, then serving as Health Officer for Mobile County, pointed out that Alabama has one of the highest percentages of obesity in America.
Dr. Kevin P. Michaels, who assumed the position of Health Officer on March 1 of this year, has supported the mission of the Cannon Team. By taking part in activities such as this race, it encourages local residents to go outside and enjoy our beautiful surroundings while exercising.
The Lyle Line-Throwing Cannon, which has a 2.5-inch-diameter barrel, was manufactured in the early 1900s by Coston. It is not a replica, reproduction, or toy. The cannon was designed to fire a projectile attached to a rope to a boat or a victim in distress. Now it used to inspire those seeking a healthier lifestyle.
Derrick Scott supervises a team of MCHD employees that has been trained to safely use the device. Joining him on Saturday were Ashley Brown, Dana Burroughs, Tommy Busby, Edward Franklin, Eddie Jones, Veronica Mercadel, Patricia Poellnitz, Mansi Rawat, John Richardson, Michelle Suggs, and William Taylor
WKRG-TV recently spotlighted the Cannon Team’s mission. The episode can be viewed at this link — https://www.wkrg.com/whats-working/whats-working-boom-blasting-off-to-good-health/
Any other groups interested in having the MCHD Cannon Team attend their event should contact the Office of Communications by calling 251-690-8823 or via email at mbryant@mchd.org.
