Kids Kick Off Project Fit America At Local Schools

NORTH FORK, NY — Local schoolchildren will kick off the launch of Project Fit America Wednesday, a program that aims to keep kids healthy and active.

"Project Fit America is a national non-profit that provides schools with the fitness equipment, curriculum and guidance needed to reduce the onset of childhood obesity and diabetes," a release from Peconic Bay Medical Center said.

A coalition of local organizations donated a combined $75,000 to assist with establishing specialized fitness equipment and programs at three local elementary schools. Through a partnership with Peconic Bay Medical Center; GYMGUYZ East End, the Mattituck Lions Club, Kait’s Angels and JABS will help bring Project Fit America to the Greenport and Cutchogue East Elementary schools, as well as the Riverhead Charter School.

"The goal of Project Fit America is to create new and sustainable opportunities for kids to be active, fit and healthy as part of the everyday school experience. This aim is accomplished through educational programs and permanent equipment, that will allow students to successfully teach fitness education year after year, empowering hundreds of kids to be fit and make healthy living decisions," the release said.

Wednesday and Thursday mornings each elementary school will kick off the launch of Project Fit America. The students will be presenting gifts to the community donors and displaying all they’ve learned on the equipment.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Cutchogue East Elementary School, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Greenport Elementary School, and at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Riverhead Charter School.

Patch courtesy photo.