OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee today announced that three Washington schools were named National Fitness Champions and will receive a new fitness center through the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils.
They are Jason Lee Middle School and Perry G. Keithley Middle School, both in Tacoma, and Cascade Middle School in Sedro-Woolley. Each school will be awarded a $100,000 grant through the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils’ campaign, National Fitness Champions. The campaign, announced in March, recognizes elementary and middle schools for demonstrating innovative ways of introducing physical activity and wellness in their curriculum.
“We must continue to find ways to help our students increase physical activity and exercise for their health and quality of life. That’s why we are focused on the Healthiest Next Generation Initiative, and together with the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils, we will improve the lives of Washington’s children,” Inslee said.
Each fitness center will be financed through a public/private partnership. No taxpayer dollars or state funding are used.
“The National Foundation is really excited to award three Washington schools with new fitness centers that will have a lasting influence on kids well into their future,” said Jake "Body by Jake" Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the powerful impact a new fitness center has on kids. Not only do they become more active and fit, but they also have more confidence, better self-esteem and will achieve greater academic success.”
The fitness centers will be dedicated at ribbon cutting ceremonies this fall.
About the Healthiest Next Generation Initiative
Inslee launched the Healthiest Next Generation Initiative in 2014. The initiative offers the opportunity for community organizations, businesses, state and local agencies and other partners to collaborate under a common goal: help our children to eat well, maintain a healthy weight and enjoy active lives by promoting healthful choices in early learning settings, schools and communities.
Learn more about the Healthiest Next Generation in schools and join the conversation at #HealthiestNextGen.
About the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils 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 NFGFC envisions a fitness center in every school in the United States, helping to build a nation that —through innovation and a “don’t quit” attitude — boasts the fittest kids in the world. Since 2012, NFGFC has delivered fitness centers in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The organization plans to bring its program to all 50 states in the coming years. For more information about the NFGFC, visit www.natgovfit.org.