Photo by Choctaw NationChief Gary Batton, Assistant Chief Jack Austin, Jr., Wright City Head Start students, Choctaw Nation elders, and Wright City Wellness Center staff cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility.
New Choctaw Nation Wellness Center Opens Its Doors
Published November 27, 2023
WRIGHT CITY, Okla. – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma opened the doors on the 14th Wellness Center in Wright City, Okla. The 10,000 square foot facility houses a half-court basketball and multi-purpose court, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and an exercise room which can be utilized for crossfit or other exercise classes.
The ceremony included the District 7 Choctaw Singers blessing the audience with two Choctaw hymns, the Wright City Head Start children singing the National Anthem and “Deep and Wide”, along with words by Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton, Assistant Chief Jack Austin, Jr., and Tribal Council Representative Joey Tom.
“We need to make sure we continue the legacy our people fought so hard for, the sorrows they went through,” says Chief Batton. “That’s the reason why this Wellness Center was built, so we can help people lead longer, healthier lives.”
The Tribal Council has invested millions in Wright City over the last several years including the new Head Start, Wellness Center and programs offered throughout the area to make sure the needs of the tribal members are met.
“I want to encourage and challenge all of you to come to the facility,” says Batton. “To come to this facility is not to be big or to get buff, it is to be healthy and to live a healthier life. Young, old, it does not matter, come work out at the Wellness Center!”
More information about the Choctaw Nation Wellness Centers, including membership eligibility can be found online.
About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 225,000 tribal members and 12,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity.
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