Pennsylvania Joins Campaign to Bring New Fitness Centers to Schools

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today announced that Pennsylvania has been selected to take part in the National Foundation for Governor's Fitness Councils' National Champion School campaign. The foundation will select three Pennsylvania schools to receive new, state-of-the-art, Live Positively™ fitness centers.

The campaign is open to public and charter elementary and middle schools in Pennsylvania. The schools will be chosen based on their commitment to physical fitness and the wellness of the student body. 

"Pennsylvania schools have a great opportunity to compete for a new, state-of-the-art fitness center," said Governor Corbett. "It's so important for kids to learn early that exercise and living a healthy lifestyle will help them do better in school and ultimately serve them for the rest of their lives."

The National Foundation and its chairman, Jake Steinfeld, founder of the "Body by Jake" fitness programs, are committed to the advancement of youth fitness. They also strive to reduce a number of health problems affecting our youth, including high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

"I encourage all eligible public and charter schools across Pennsylvania to participate," said Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis. "This program is a great way for schools to upgrade their facilities without negatively impacting the taxpayers."

The fitness centers will be provided by The National Foundation through public-private partnerships. They will be awarded to schools at no cost to taxpayers or their school districts.

"It is important for children to engage in some form of daily physical activity to help them to develop healthy behaviors," said Dr. Eli Avila, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. "I am honored that Pennsylvania has been selected to participate in this national fitness campaign. We all have to work together to maintain our health."

For more information on the guidelines and to obtain a nomination form to be considered as a National Champion School contest, visit www.nationalgovcouncil.org. Nominations are due by Friday, April 20.

Media contact:  Kirsten Page, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor