AREA LEGISLATORS TEE OFF IN FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES

As the chairmen of the Mississippi State Legislature’s Ways and Means and Finance committees, respectively, Rep. Percy Watson and Sen. Dean Kirby happen to share a lot more than busy schedules.

Both also share a passion for educating Mississippians on the importance of good health, particularly as it relates to diabetes prevention and control.

“Diabetes is a major problem in our state, which makes it vitally important that we raise awareness and encourage Mississippians to seek medical examinations,” Watson said. “We should be as supportive as we possibly can be, because diabetes is a big problem, especially when it goes undiagnosed.”

For these reasons, Watson, of Hattiesburg, and Kirby, of Pearl, will be joining legions of others throughout the Magnolia State on Monday, June 2, when the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi hosts its 15th-annual Legislative Shoot-Out Golf Tournament at the Reunion Golf and Country Club in Madison. The tournament’s title sponsor is BankPlus.

“This tournament benefits a great organization,” said Kirby, who will be joining the Diabetes Foundation on the green for the 15th consecutive year. “One-hundred percent of the money raised stays in Mississippi, where it provides education and services to Mississippians of all ages from around the state.”

“Plus, the Diabetes Foundation is known for having great affairs such as the Legislative Shoot-Out,” Kirby said with a laugh. “And it’s hard to beat the Reunion!”

The courses are nice, and the tournament always draws a large crowd, he said.

“Nearly every family in this state has been touched by diabetes in one form or another,” said Kirby, whose mother and father in-law both had diabetes. “This tournament is a great activity for individuals to participate and pay tribute to their family members who have the disease.”

On June 2, Kirby and Watson will be joining their fellow tournament chairman, Charlie Williams, at the Reunion Golf and Country Club for a day of golf, food, prizes and fun. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

“It is sure to be filled with great food, great fellowship and fantastic prizes!” Kirby said.

With the fellowship comes an opportunity to raise the public’s awareness about the seriousness of diabetes, said Watson.

“Raising funds that stay in Mississippi while also creating an awareness of the chronic disease helps everyone become more vigilant and conscious of diabetes and its consequences,” Watson said.

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) knows that people with diabetes deserve the care, services and compassion that only a local nonprofit organization can give. From the youngest child to the senior citizens, the Diabetes Foundation is committed to providing a good quality of life and helping hand to all Mississippians whose lives have been touched by this disease.

Join in the fight against diabetes, and register for the Legislative Shoot-Out by calling the Diabetes Foundation at 601-957-7878 or visit www.msdiabetes.org.