Maine schools can compete for new fitness center

AUGUSTA — The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils has selected Maine for its 2021 DON’T QUIT! Campaign, a national effort to encourage physical fitness in youth.
As part of the campaign, the NFGFC, which seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness, will gift DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers to three Maine schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness to help them construct fitness centers.
“Childhood obesity is a serious problem that can follow a child into adulthood,” said Jake (Body by Jake) Steinfeld, chairman of the NFGFC. “I’ve declared war on this preventable disease and it’s inspiring to see elected leaders like Gov. Janet Mills immediately jump on board to join the battle and welcome us into the great state of Maine. Every governor we’ve partnered with recognizes that obesity is neither a Democratic nor Republican issue, it’s a kids’ issue and all have vowed to do everything possible to help.”
Kits have already been delivered to 36 states, and this year Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina and New Hampshire are being added, Steinfeld said. “The response from every state we’ve visited has been awesome,” he said. “Kids are excited about working out and being physically active and, as a result, their academic performance and self-esteem have skyrocketed. Now, Maine schools have an opportunity to make a change that will have a lasting impact on kids well into their future.”
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.
All public and public charter elementary and middle schools in Maine who have a majority of students between the ages of 8 to 14 and an available room ready for equipment installation by June within their existing infrastructure are eligible to apply. Three schools in each state, prioritized based on need, will be chosen from applicants by NFGFC to receive a brand new, state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center.
School nominations will be accepted until Friday, March 19. Maine people interested in nominating their school can visit natgovfit.org/nominate-your-school and click on the Maine state seal to download and submit the application.