Fitness Icon and Chairman Jake Steinfeld and Governor Jack Markell Announce Campaign to Support Fitness Programs in Delaware Schools

Dover, DE – The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils is bringing its multi-million dollar physical fitness campaign to Delaware. 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.  Three schools selected by the National Foundation will be named National Champion Schools and will be awarded $100,000 state-of-the-art Live Positively^TM Fitness Centers for their efforts.

“We’re lucky to have a great role model like Jake Steinfeld bringing the National Champion Schoolscampaign to Delaware schools,” said Governor Jack Markell.  “The idea of having fitness centers at schools where students can find fun in working out is a win for everyone.  If more of our students can develop good fitness habits early, there’s a better chance they will stay healthy and fit as they get older. This helps our goal of creating a culture of health and wellness among all Delawareans.”

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.

“Our National Champion Schools campaign has been well received all around the country and I’m looking forward to working with Governor Markell to make this campaign a great success in Delaware,”  said Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils.  “I’ve always said 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.  Our children are our most precious resource and by providing them with a strong foundation in health and fitness, we can feel confident that they’ll excel beyond their wildest dreams.”

For more information about the National Foundation or to download a nomination form, visit www.nationalgovcouncil.org.

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 plan for strengthening Delaware schools laid the foundation for Delaware’s 2010 first-place win in the federal Race to the Top (RTTT) and 2011 win in the federal Early Learning Challenge grant competitions.  Delaware is implementing higher standards and online growth measures for students, new evaluation systems for educators, focused supports and new strategies to improve the lowest performing schools, and significant investments and quality initiatives for early learning programs.   The Governor recognizes that great schools help students achieve their full potential and are an important factor for a robust economy.

About the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils

The National Foundation seeks to encourage and reward 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 National Foundation envisions a fitness center in every school in the U.S., helping to build a nation that—through innovation and a “Don’t Quit” attitude—boasts the fittest kids in the world.

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