National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils Brings
Multi-Million Dollar Youth Fitness Campaign to Illinois
Three Illinois schools, will be deemed
National Champion Schools and awarded $100,000 state-of-the-art Live
PositivelyTM Fitness Centers.
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[April 03, 2015]
SPRINGFIELD
– Fitness icon, Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation
for Governors’ Fitness Councils has declared war on childhood
obesity. To help combat this disease, he’s bringing the Foundation’s
multi-million dollar physical fitness campaign to Illinois and has
engaged Governor Rauner to spearhead their efforts. The campaign
encourages elementary and middle school educators to think outside
the box by implementing innovative ideas in fitness and nutrition
for their students. The nomination process opens today at
www.natgovfit.org and will run through mid June. Three schools,
selected by the National Foundation, will be deemed National
Champion Schools and will each be awarded $100,000 state-of-the-art
Live PositivelyTM Fitness Centers.
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“Childhood obesity rates in Illinois are some of the
highest in the nation, so when Jake Steinfeld said he wanted to
bring his National Champion Schools campaign to our state, I jumped
at the opportunity,” said Governor Bruce Rauner. “Jake and the
National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils, has had a huge
impact on the fight against childhood obesity in every state Jake
has visited. The great state of Illinois is excited to join forces
with Jake to help turn the tide against this epidemic. I encourage
every elementary and middle school in the state to take part in this
terrific campaign."
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils program will
make its way into all 50 states in the coming years. What sets it
apart from other initiatives is that it does not rely on taxpayer
dollars or state funding, making it even more attractive to
cash-strapped states. Each fitness center is financed through
public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola
Company and Nike. In addition, TuffStuff Fitness International
equips all of the fitness centers. The National Foundation’s goal is
to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/Apr/01/images/ads/current/beason_ag_sda_030614.png) “For many, change can be difficult. It’s often easier to stay with
the status quo. Yet, change can also be the start of something new
and exciting. The National Champion Schools campaign is that
change,” said Jake Steinfeld. “When you have the right tools and the
inspiration, anything is possible. Today, we are changing the way
our kids think about fitness and physical activity. We’re changing
their habits and in the process changing their lives! And now,
Illinois schools have a great opportunity to make a change that will
have a lasting impact on kids well into their future. Academics and
fitness go hand in hand. We’re not only building bodies, but most
importantly we are building confidence self esteem in these terrific
kids. By placing fitness centers in elementary and middle schools,
we are certain to see positive, healthy changes. Our children are
our most precious resource and by providing them with a strong
foundation in health and fitness, we can feel confident that they’ll
excel beyond their wildest dreams.”
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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 for Governors’
Fitness Councils or to download a nomination form, visit
www.natgovfit.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.
[Office of Governor Bruce Rauner]
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