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The Greenwich YMCA is working with the Greenwich schools to help students kick obesity. On Dec. 9, the Y launched a fitness initiative with support from the President's Council on Physical Fitness. More than 600 fourth grade students from 10 elementary schools will be able to determine their level physical fitness.
"I am delighted we are able to partner with the YMCA for this fitness initiative," said Colleen Morey, Physical Education Program Coordinator for the Greenwich Board of Education. "It will support our PE program goal of youth fitness attainment, improvement and maintenance. I know that students and teachers are excited and I look at this as one of hopefully many community partnerships."
The President's Challenge is a program designed to help people of all ages increase their physical activity through motivation and an easy-to-do routine. Students are encouraged to do all six events in The President's Fitness Test: shuttle run, pull-ups/flexed arm hang, sit-ups/curl-ups, push-ups, pacer test and the sit & reach.
"In a country plagued by a rising tide of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, it is critical that we do all we can as an institution to help reverse this trend of unhealthy living," said Rebecca Fretty, CEO of the Greenwich YMCA. "We're so inspired by the work being done by the President's Council and we felt a strong responsibility to step in."
Students will be brought to the Y for the fitness test. After they have completed it, the Y will offer six to eight weeks of personalized activity programs for students who want to enhance their performance.
"We want to buck this trend here in Greenwich," said Fretty. "And as a Y, we truly believe healthy living must start at an early age and we are so proud and excited to offer this initiative to our town.
Lets chat: What is your opinion on the issue of obesity? Do you think Greenwich promores a healthy lifestyle? How do you fight the bulge? Leave a comment below or send me an email at acorbett@mainstreetconnect.us.
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