SACO -— Since 2004, the Maine Games has offered Mainers a chance to team up to shape up through an annual statewide wellness competition. Thousands of residents of the Pine Tree State from Fort Kent to Kittery have used Lighten ME! as their wellness program of choice because it delivers an effective, fun, and productive means of getting more active, losing unwanted pounds and developing healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Registration for the 2009 Lighten ME! competition begins Dec. 1, and through Dec. 15, members can take 20 percent off the low registration fee of $15 per person. The competition starts Jan. 21, and lasts 100 days, through April 30. Teams of between two and 10 adults work together to share healthy meals, exercise, and provide motivation and incentives to set goals and work hard to achieve them.

Lighten ME! is an online program that provides each member of every team their own personal web page where they can record their progress in weight loss, physical activity, or both categories. When participants update their totals, their team totals are automatically updated, and their team's standings are also updated.

To learn more, go to www.lightenme.org.