National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils Brings Youth Fitness Campaign to Georgia
Print This PostFitness Icon Jake Steinfeld and Gov. Nathan Deal
Announce Campaign to Support Fitness Programs in Georgia Schools
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils is bringing its multi-million dollar physical fitness campaign to Georgia. The National Foundation encourages and rewards innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness. The program is open to all public or public charter elementary or middle schools throughout the state. The National Foundation will name three schools National Champion Schools and award each of them a $100,000 state-of-the-art Live Positively™ Fitness Center for their efforts.
“This is a great day for the state of Georgia. I fully support the efforts to bring the National Champion Schools campaign to our state to help our children get fit,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “I encourage every elementary and middle school in the state to work hard to get nominated for a Live Positively Fitness Center. This innovative program, which aligns with our Georgia SHAPE initiative, will have a lasting effect on the health of our children.”
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils program plans to challenge all 50 states in the coming years. Making this program even more attractive is that it does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Each fitness center is financed through a public-private sector partnership with companies like The Coca-Cola Company.
“Gov. Deal’s enthusiasm for our National Champion Schools campaign has been fantastic,” said Jake Steinfeld, chair of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils. “We both recognize that our children are our most precious resource and that leading them down a healthy path will make a huge difference for their futures. In every state we’ve visited in the past, we’ve seen how passionate students have become about exercise and the importance of eating healthy. Moreover, I believe that academics and fitness go hand in hand and that if you provide the schools the tools, we will build strong bodies and minds while boosting confidence, self-esteem and focus in the classroom. And in doing so, we are giving students the opportunity to excel beyond their wildest dreams.”
The Foundation will accept school nominations until May 3, 2013.
Download a cover letter addressed to educators.
Learn more about the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils.
Background
Physical activity and exercise are shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life and reduce health care costs. In schools, studies show that physical activity improves academic achievement, increases confidence and self-esteem, reduces discipline problems, cuts absenteeism and fosters better interpersonal relationships.
The National Foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.
The governor’s healthcare agenda focuses on the health and well-being of children in Georgia. Deal launched Georgia SHAPE with the Dept. of Public Health in May 2012 to help bring awareness to the importance to physical activity and sound nutrition in Georgia’s schools. He knows that children who are physically active and have access to nutritious foods are more likely to perform better in the classroom.
Contact:
Bill Bradley
National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils
916-213-5230
Bill Valladares
GaFCP Communications Director
404-527-7394 (x114)
william@gafcp.org