I was planning to have some fun with my column today since it’s April Fools’ Day, but decided that it might not be a good idea. I was going to come up with some ridiculous fad-type diet and exercise plan and pretty much detail the opposite of what someone would do if they wanted to get healthy.

But the more I thought about it, I started to think about the response I might get. With my luck, someone would have missed the irony in it, and the next thing you know they’re yelling at me because of all the weight they gained following my “Krispy Kreme Doughnut Diet” or my “Nap on the Couch Exercise Routine.”

So instead I thought I would mention some upcoming events that can help you not only get outside and exercise, but to be a part of some things that are good for the soul as well.

On Tuesday, the Lumberton High School varsity baseball team will be hosting its annual “Think Pink Game.” This special game, in its second year, is held as both a tribute to Coach Paul Hodges’ late wife Angie — who passed away after a long fight against cancer — and as a fundraiser for the Angela B. Hodges Endowment Scholarship. Anyone who plans on coming to the game is encouraged to wear pink and there will be a special commemorative pink T-shirt for sale. During the game, important breast cancer facts will be announced and free information and items will be available for people to take home. All of the proceeds from the game will go toward the endowment, which provides students from Robeson County a chance to attend The University of North Carolina at Pembroke on a music scholarship.

This year’s game is against Pinecrest and opening ceremonies begin at 6:45 p.m. with the first pitch at 7. If you have any questions about the scholarship, or would like to make a donation, call the UNCP Office of Advancement at (910) 521-6515.

On April 10, the Robeson County Special Olympics will be holding its annual golf tournament to raise money to help support this year’s spring games. The tournament will be held at Pinecrest Country Club and begins at 9 a.m. The cost is $200 per four-person team and includes cart fee, mulligans, food and prizes.

Then on April 30, the games will be held at the Lumberton High School track. The mission of the Special Olympics is to “provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”

The motto of a Special Olympic athlete is “Let me win but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.” It’s important to know that without the help of volunteers and financial support from our community, our local athletes may not get that chance. According to Sandra Evans, the Robeson County Special Olympics coordinator and the health coordinator for the Public Schools of Robeson County, they are in desperate need for volunteers to help with a variety of activities. They need everything from coaches, and athlete escorts to registration volunteers and help with food and refreshments. Opening ceremonies for the games begin at 9:30 a.m.

If you would be willing to help, or want information regarding the Robeson County Special Olympics, you can call Sandra at (910) 735-2362 or e-mail her at evanss.psrc@robeson.k12.nc.us.

And, of course, if you have any question concerning any of these items, please feel free to call me. Remember, part of living a healthy lifestyle is doing good things for your body, mind and spirit and these events take care of all three.

Mike DeCinti is the marketing director for Lumberton Radiological Associates. He can be reached at mdecinti@lraxray.com or by calling 738-8222, Ext. 258.