MOVE! Event in Hartford Honors Longtime Urban League Supporter Earl Exum

Earl Exum was a mover. And a shaker. And a double-dutcher.

Exum, who was the board treasurer for the Urban League of Greater Hartford (Hartford, CT) when he died unexpectedly last fall, who was also an advocate for people getting active and staying healthy.

So it's only fitting, organizers believe, that Exum, who was a vice president at Pratt & Whitney and chairman of subsidiary International Aero Engines, have an award named for him at Saturday's third annual MOVE! event at Keney Park in Hartford.

The event is designed for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels to promote an active lifestyle and mental health, as well as showcase the amenities of one of the largest designed park landscapes in the United States.

"We wanted to figure out a way to honor him because he was so focused on health and fitness for himself," said David Hopkins, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Hartford, who recalled Exum taking first place in the event's inaugural 1-mile run/walk as well as catching footballs, dancing, and participating in double-dutch. "He was setting an example."

The award in his name will be presented going forward to an individual or entity that contributes to the community health of greater Hartford. Pratt & Whitney employees will run/walk in Exum’s memory and host a booth at the event, organizers said.

In addition to the 1-mile run/walk, the event will also feature a 5K road race, a FitKids fun run, and a Movement Festival with various activities, including live entertainment; fresh produce distribution; food, health and fitness information; yoga and stretching demonstrations; movement stations; arts and crafts; and community resources.

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