RI Receives $300,000 Gift For School Fitness Centers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island has been selected as one of four states to receive $300,000 worth of fitness equipment from the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils.

Governor Gina Riamondo and NFGFC Chairman Jake Steinfeld announced the gift Monday, as part of the council's DON'T QUIT! campaign. Through the gift, three Rhode Island schools will receive brand-new DON'T QUIT! Fitness Centers.

"When we help children become physically active today, it pays dividends well into the future," Gov. Raimondo said. "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."

Steinfeld said that the council has delivered fitness centers to schools in 28 states and Washington, DC, and the response from students has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Childhood obesity is a serious problem that can follow a child into adulthood. I've declared war on this preventable disease and it's inspiring to see elected leaders like Governor Gina Raimondo immediately jump on board to join the battle and welcome us into their state. Every governor we've partnered with recognizes that obesity is neither a democrat nor republican issue, it's a kids' issue and all have vowed to do everything possible to help," 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."

Nominations for schools will be accepted through March 22. To be nominated, schools must fill out an application and include a written essay or short video. The application is available here.

Over the next few years, the council plans to visit all 50 states. The fitness centers are financed through corporate partnerships with partnerships including Coca-Cola, Anthem Foundation, Wheels Up and Nike. Equipment is provided by TuffStuff Fitness International.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly said the state was given a grant, instead of a gift.

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