From staff reports

Nicholasville Mayor Pete Sutherland joined the list of mayors across the nation who are recognizing a growing movement dedicated to the encouragement of individuals and organizations who go the extra mile.

“The purpose of joining this event is to support our citizens and the other cities across the country that do go the extra mile every day through their involvement and commitment in their communities,” Sutherland said.

Extra Mile Day started in 2009 when a non-bicyclist Anderson made a symbolic 4,000-mile solo bike ride across America interviewing 200 people he identified as “going the extra mile” for either accomplishing something unique or overcoming a major tragedy.

At its start, Extra Mile Day had an inaugural 23 cities that participated in 2009 with more than 550 in 2018.

“We have been involved in this for the past four years,” Sutherland said. “I think it is a simple way to acknowledge all of the people who go the extra mile and include them in a public proclamation.”

Sutherland’s declaration and the Extra Mile Campaign are reminders that we each have the power to create positive change in our own lives and in the lives of others when we go the extra mile, Extra Mile Day Founder Shawn Anderson said.

“It’s easy to complain about everything we see going on around us,” Anderson said. “The ‘go the extra mile’ message gives people an alternative to just throwing their arms in the air and saying ‘I give up.’ Extra Mile Day is a small reminder of the power we each have to create positive change at any time on any day. Going the extra mile is doing more than the normal, more than expected. Going the extra mile is getting back up after we’ve been knocked down, despite whatever has happened. Going the extra mile is where change starts.”

For Sutherland, the day is about making the community a better place.

“For Nicholasville it’s our way to participate with all of our citizens who go the extra mile each and every day to try to make our community and the world a better place,” Sutherland said.

For more information about Extra Mile Day call 310-402-4826 or email Info@ExtraMileAmerica.org.