Get on the Move

Thirty percent. Wait, what does that number represent you ask? Is it good or bad?

I guess you could say it depends. If 30 percent of a kicker's kickoff attempts result in touchbacks, that's a great number.

If a basketball player makes 30 percent of his three-point shots, coach might ask him to pass more often or drive to the hoop.

If a hockey goalie stops 30 percent of the shots his way, he'll be bartending in Moose Jaw next season.

If 30 percent of your state's population falls into the obese category, you rank sixth in the nation and live in Oklahoma.

A new study last month placed Oklahoma among seven other states battling the bulge. Many factors contribute including fast food and enlarged restaurant portions, but diet alone cannot fix all.

Heat be damned. Let's get physical. Forget about the going-nowhere-fast treadmill or gym membership which goes unused. Get off yo' couch.

"I created Tulsa Sports and Events just over three years ago," said Nic Wehr. Wehr grew up in the Washington D.C. metro area and moved to Tulsa seven years ago. "I'm happy to say this is definitely home. I love the people in Tulsa. Smiling faces and good people are never hard to come by. We live in a great city."

What exactly does Tulsa Sports and Events encompass? Glad you asked. The organization touches on a wide variety of activities designed to get Tulsans off their couch.

Co-ed sand volleyball, men's flag football, co-ed kickball, co-ed softball, men's basketball and co-ed dodge ball are just a few of the exciting leagues available throughout the year.

"Men's flag football and co-ed kickball are our largest leagues, but it really depends on the person and what they like to play.

Boot camp fitness programs increase in popularity every year. A children's flag football league is in the works. This fall, several tournaments will take place. The winning team earns money for their charity. Win-win!

"I have always had a love for sports, being healthy and meeting interesting people," he said. "Thankfully in my line of work, I get all the above. Even though I have refs and umpires out there to handle the games, I make a point to come out every week so I can enjoy the games and socialize with the players. I love my job."

Tulsa Sports and Events has grown leaps and bounds since its inception. For years, adults lacked a competitive sporting outlet. Now, Tulsans have a place to turn.

All types of people participate. Some players are former Division I athletes, while others have not participated in athletics since physical education in grade school. It makes no difference as long as you are off of the couch.

"The great thing about recreational sports is it doesn't matter what you do for a living. White collar or blue collar ... who cares? It's all about having fun and relieving the stresses of everyday life out there on the field," Wehr said.

To ensure competitive balance, each league starts with a few pre-season games. This allows proper placement and makes sure each team is properly challenged.

"Although some sports like kickball are more recreational than others, the competition level is still pretty high," he said. "I've never met anyone who likes to lose a game."

Active team member Erica Walner said: "As a team captain, I have played in several of the Tulsa Sports and Events leagues, which include softball, dodge ball and kickball. It has been so much fun playing in these leagues. My teammates and I absolutely love kickball and look forward to it every week."

They cultivated tremendous relationships with the City and County Parks departments as well as local businesses and Tulsa Public Schools. They rent space from them for all of the leagues and classes.

So if you, or someone you know, like sports, this might be worth looking into. Whether you are looking to get in shape or meet new people, Tulsa Sports and Events might be the perfect fit for you.

"If you need a reason to get off the couch, we've got it," Wehr said.

Another of the popular choices is the Tulsa Sports Boot Camp Fitness course located at Whiteside Park on 41st St. between Harvard and Yale.

The six-week adventure whips you into shape without the worry of gym membership or finding a workout partner. A trainer barks encouragement and assists with personal fitness goals.

You do not need to be in shape to join. The first session is free. What are you waiting for? Get off your couch.

For more information, and you knew this was coming, visit offyocouch.com.