Fitness expert Darryl Haley, former New England Patriot, Ironman Triathlete and world-renowned fitness trainer recently hiked into the Grand Canyon. Haley helped kick off celebrations of Black History Month and Healthy Parks Healthy People.
Haley participated in the celebrations to experience the Grand Canyon first-hand and to spread the word that there are a wide range of opportunities for people of varying fitness levels to experience their national parks.
On Friday, Haley who also hosts WHUR’s (Howard University Radio) Fitness Friday on the Steve Harvey Morning Show, was introduced to the park by participating in a ranger-led walk along the Rim Trail.
On Saturday, he joined a hike down the Bright Angel Trail, 3.2 miles and 3,800 feet to Indian Gardens for an overnight stay. Throughout their adventure the group shared their views on diversity and inclusion, national parks, fitness and health, as well as exchanging personal stories.
“The seven other participants and I are bonded for life. These are the individuals that I shared a first experience with like no other,” stated Haley, “and I am humbled and grateful for the knowledge, experience, support, teamwork and great time that we all shared together.”
On Monday, Haley concluded the weekend’s events and his personal experience at Grand Canyon with a public presentation at the Shrine of the Ages Auditorium.
Superintendent, Dave Uberuaga said, “We were honored that Darryl Haley joined us for our celebration and thrilled that he added his voice to ours in encouraging people of all backgrounds to take advantage of their national parks as places to support their physical and emotional health.”
Black History Month is celebrated each year in February and commemorates the lives and accomplishments of African Americans. The National Park Service Healthy Parks Healthy People program promotes the fact that all parks are cornerstones of health, for people and the environment, and encourages everyone to seek the benefits of physical and mental health, healing and social well-being in their national parks.
This event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the National Park Service Office of Equal Opportunity Programs Affirmative Employment/Diversity and Inclusion; the Grand Canyon National Park Diversity Council; the Horace Albright Training Center; Xanterra South Rim, LLC; Bright Angel Bicycles and the Grand Canyon Association.
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