Winning Schools Recognized For Outstanding Fitness Innovation by
the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils
DOVER, DE – Today, Governor Jack Markell along with Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils announced the names of the winning schools that will each receive a state-of-the-art Live PositivelyTM Fitness Center as part of the National Champion Schools campaign. This multi-million dollar physical fitness campaign has named Alexis I. du Pont Middle School in Greenville, Bancroft Elementary School in Wilmington and McCullough Middle School in Newcastle as the winning schools for demonstrating new innovative ways for promoting student physical activity and wellness. This fall, the new fitness centers will be dedicated at ribbon cuttings ceremonies with Governor Markell and Chairman Steinfeld.
“What a great achievement for these three schools. They’ve worked hard to bring innovative fitness ideas to their students and it’s paid off. Because of their efforts, I’m pleased to award each of these schools with a new Live Positively Fitness Center that will allow all of their students the opporutnity to add physical fitness activities into their daily routine and put them on the road to being fit and healthy,” said Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils. “I’ve always said that academics and fitness go hand in and hand and believe that if you provide the schools with the tools, students will excel beyond their wildest dreams. Not only will these students be healthier, but they’ll also have increased confidence, improved self-esteem and will achieve greater academic success.”
“Jake Steinfeld made a promise to bring fitness centers to schools in our great state and he’s made good on his word,” said Governor Markell. “The three winning schools put their best foot forward by creating innovative fitness programs that have been embraced by our students and will lead them on a path to a bright and healthy future. We need to support efforts that encourage our young people to be more active and I thank Jake for bringing these fitness centers to our state.”
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils program plans to bring its challenge to all 50 states in the coming years. An attractive and unique feature of this campaign is that the Live Positively Fitness Centers are fully funded through public/private partnerships and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Live Positively™ is part of Coca-Cola’s commitment to bring people together to make a positive difference, which includes supporting physical activity programs.
The National Foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world. 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.
For more information about the National Foundation, visit www.nationalgovcouncil.org.
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.