Westbrook Police Department officials are trying to recruit high school-aged youth from Westbrook and Gorham to participate in a fitness training program called SEALSfit, which is offered by the Portland Police Department and the Maine Leadership Institute.

The seven-week program is led by a retired Navy SEAL, and is meant for teenagers between 15-18. SEALSfit is designed as a youth leadership and anti-bullying program, with “demanding physical training and interpersonal skills development.”

According to Westbrook Police Chief Janine Roberts, who had a lead role in spearheading the program in 2012, there are currently no Westbrook or Gorham youth who have applied for the upcoming session, which begins Aug. 31.

“We would like to change that,” she said this week.

After taking the chief’s job in Westbrook, Roberts has maintained a position on the program’s steering committee.

The session runs until Oct. 16 and is free. Sessions run Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4-6 p.m. Monday and Friday are “workout” days, taking place at Back Cove, while Wednesday is leadership class day, held at the Portland police auditorium.

Participants must find their own transportation to and from sessions, and Roberts said she has discussed transportation options with Westbrook’s My Place Teen Center and the community center.

“The commitment we ask of the participating youth is to attend all 21 sessions, do not give up on themselves, and provide their own means of transportation,” she said.

The deadline for application submission is Thursday, Aug. 21. Participants are outfitted with workout gear (sneakers, short liners, shorts, T-shirt, ball cap, and running suit). All water, healthy snacks and pizza for the leadership experiential sessions are donated by local businesses.

Those interested can contact Roberts at 854-0644, ext. 2405.

– Andrew Rice