R.I. among 4 states selected for $300K fitness equipment gift

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island has been selected as one of four states to receive a $300,000 fitness equipment gift from the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils as part of the foundation’s “DON’T QUIT!” campaign, foundation Chairman Jake Steinfeld and Gov. Gina M. Raimondo announced this week.

The foundation, according to a news release, will deliver a “state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center” to three schools within the Ocean State for “demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit.”

In a prepared statement, Steinfeld – the famed fitness industry icon known for his “Body by Jake” promotion – said every governor that has partnered with the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils recognizes that childhood obesity is a “kids issue” and government leaders on both sides of the aisle “have vowed to do everything possible to help.”

Steinfeld said fitness centers have been delivered to 28 other states and Washington, D.C., and the response has been very positive.

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“Kids are excited about working out and being physically active, and as a result their academic performance and self-esteem have skyrocketed,” Steinfeld said. “Now, Rhode Island schools have an opportunity to make a change that will have a lasting impact on kids well into their future.”

“When we help children become physically active today, it pays dividends well into the future,” Raimondo said in a statement. “This is a great program, and I’m grateful for the generous support of Jake Steinfeld and the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils to help improve the health and lives of children across our state.”

School nominations to be selected for the program are being accepted through March 22. All interested schools within Rhode Island must fill out an application and include either a short essay or video. Applications are available at natgovfit.org/nominate-your-school.

James Bessette is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Research@PBN.com.