Home, PA—Next month Rayne Elementary School will formally take their honored role as an Indiana County host and model school for Project Fit America (PFA), a national public charity dedicated to getting kids fit since 1990. The Opening Day Kick Off and Fitness Celebration will be held on October 3, 2014. The students with be joined by one of the Pittsburgh Pirate Pierogies and Norm the Hawk from Indiana University of Pennsylvania along with civic and local leaders, for this event.
This is a continued roll out of the Project Fit America program that first launched in 2006 and is the ninth school in Indiana County to be awarded a grant for Fitness in Education. The students’ fitness testing outcomes from last year grant recipient, Eisenhower Elementary showed an impressive 36.35% increase in cardiovascular endurance, and a 50.8 % increase in upper body strength.
“We applied for this grant because I am anxious to get our school involved with the Project Fit America program and Indiana Regional Medical Center to promote healthy lifestyle choices, not quick fixes. I believe this initiative will make a world of difference for our children.” stated Susan DeVaughn, Principal-Rayne Elementary.
Since 1980 childhood obesity has tripled according to the U.S. Surgeon Generals’ Report. In answer to this alarming epidemic, PFA provides an action-based solution that works. PFA donates fully funded fitness programs to schools creating new opportunities for children to be active, fit and healthy as part of the everyday school experience.
“The partnership between our organizations will serve as a cornerstone for enduring community health and wellness. Indiana Regional Medical Center’s sponsorship of Project Fit America is another example of our proactive response to the growing need for medical and wellness services in our community,” stated Nancy J. Smith, Director of Community Services
Programming includes state-of-the-art fitness equipment specifically designed to address the deficit areas where children fail fitness tests; indoor fitness equipment; a dynamic curriculum with games, activities and challenges for kids with the PFA outdoor & indoor equipment; the program also teaches character development, sportsmanship, team work and leadership skills. The academic emphasis is to create “physically educated” children and to empower them to take personal responsibility of their health with enthusiasm. PFA also provides support to the schools for two years along with on-site training with each PE Teacher.
Research shows that not only is physical education important for a child’s physical development, it actually helps kids read and learn math. Physically active kids are better learners. Quality Fitness in Education has a direct impact not only a child’s health but their academic success,” said Stacey Cook, Executive Director, “We are extremely proud of Indiana Regional Medical for their commitment to bring this program to the community and for their dedication to improving the health and wellness of children.”
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