Today, Governor Kristi Noem joined fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC), in launching the 2022 DON’T QUIT! campaign for South Dakota schools. The NFGFC will deliver a state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center to three elementary or middle schools selected from nominations. School nominations will be accepted starting today and the deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
“Healthy families make strong families and strong families build healthy communities. Thank you to Jake and his foundation for bringing the DON’T QUIT! campaign to South Dakota,” said Governor Noem. “Programs like DON’T QUIT! help children to make better choices that will strengthen their bodies and their minds. I encourage every elementary and middle school in our great state to nominate their school today for this incredible opportunity.”
Nominations may be made here; click on your state seal or use this link to download the short application.
“Childhood obesity is a serious problem that can follow a child into adulthood. It’s inspiring to see elected leaders like Governor Kristi Noem champion my vision by jumping on board and welcoming us into the great state of South Dakota," said Jake Steinfeld. "Every governor we’ve partnered with recognizes that childhood obesity is neither a Democratic nor Republican issue, it’s a kids’ issue. Our kids 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."
DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers have been delivered to 38 states plus Washington, DC. In 2022, the council is adding four more states to its DON’T QUIT! family, including South Dakota. Steinfeld witnessed firsthand the positive impact these fitness centers have on students and communities. By providing schools with the tools and inspiration, the communities will be amazed at the changes that take place. According to the council, not only are schools seeing increased academic scores but they are also seeing self-esteem skyrocket.
Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Anthem Foundation, Wheels Up and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. MyFitnessStore.com provides the fitness equipment. The foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.
“I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact these fitness centers have on students and their communities. When you provide schools with the tools and inspiration, you’ll be amazed by the changes that take place,” continued Steinfeld. “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.”
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 information about the NFGFC or to download a nomination form, visit www.natgovfit.org.
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About The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) 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 NFGFC 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. Since 2012, the NFGFC has delivered fitness centers in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, California, New Mexico, Connecticut, Virginia, Illinois, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Washington, Wisconsin, Arizona, Maryland, Louisiana, Oregon, Colorado, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Rhode Island, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. In 2022, we will gift fitness centers to South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska & Idaho.
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