Active Schools Recognizes Ergotron, Lakeshore Foundation-National Center for Health, Physical Activity and Disability, and Marathon Kids as Partners of the Year

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today Active Schools, a nationwide movement dedicated to ensuring 60 minutes of physical activity is the norm in K-12 schools, honored Ergotron, Lakeshore Foundation – National Center for Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) and Marathon Kids with its Partner of the Year Award.

The Active Schools Partner of the Year Award recognizes organizations that have prioritized the cause of active schools and supported schools in implementing physical education and physical activity best practices during the past year. The awards were presented as part of the 2017 Partnership for a Healthier America's Building a Healthier Future Summit in Washington, DC.

"Active Schools is a collective impact initiative. Our accomplishments are the result of the many contributions made by our health, education and private sector partners," said Charlene Burgeson, Active Schools Executive Director. "Ergotron, Lakeshore-NCHPAD and Marathon Kids have demonstrated leadership, innovation and commitment to creating active schools for all kids. We are proud to recognize them as outstanding partners."

Active Schools is powered by a national collaborative of 42 health, education and private sector organizations that work together to help schools create active school environments that provide children with at least 60 minutes of physical activity before, during and after the school day.

Ergotron has been an active and enthusiastic partner, working to promote movement, increase awareness of the negative impact of sedentary school environments and introduce low-level physical activity — in the form of standing desks — into  classrooms. The sit-stand technology furniture manufacturer believes that kids, as well as adults, are meant to move.

"Enabling active school and work environments is at the core of Ergotron," says Bob Hill, Education Manager, Ergotron. "Partnering with Active Schools is a natural fit. Our mutual objective is to create awareness and understanding of the sedentary problem, while introducing a solution that can make a difference with our youth. Together we have also identified an underserved student population that urgently needs physical activity intervention — secondary school students."

Lakeshore-NCHPAD's mission is based on the belief that physical activity is essential for individuals with disability to lead healthy, active and independent lives. They've played a critical role in mobilizing resources for social change and elevating awareness in support of inclusive physical education and physical activity environments.

"Any day the world acknowledges the needs of people with disabilities is a great day," says Dr. James Rimmer, Director, NCHPAD. "We proudly accept this award on behalf of the six million students in our nation with disabilities — as well as those who have been fighting for inclusion for much of their life. We thank those who came before us in the disability movement to make this even possible; they are as much a part of this award as we are."

Marathon Kids is small but mighty organization that helps kids unlock their potential by providing them with the motivation, tools and support to live happier, healthier lifestyles. This year's Active Schools Marathon Kids grant program was the single largest grant making opportunity executed by the initiative to date.

"This partnership has allowed us to take our programming to a scope beyond what we had ever imagined," says Ray Blue, Director, Marathon Kids. "It's been catalytic! Partnering with Active Schools has enabled us to quickly evolve into a larger, more effective organization. I feel humbled and grateful to play with such an incredible initiative." 

Since its February 2013 launch, more than 32,000 champions in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia have enrolled in Active Schools, reaching more than 23,000 schools and 12 million students. The Active Schools movement encourages involvement by all who care about active, healthy and happy kids.  To join, go to www.letsmoveschools.org. Everyone has a role to play!

SOURCE Active Schools

Related Links

http://www.letsmoveschools.org/