From hula hooping to cheers as Cotton-Eyed Joe played in the background, Lynn Camp students were full of energy on Wednesday as school and partnering organizations launched a new physical fitness program.
Officials at Baptist Health Corbin were on hand to officially launch Project Fit America, a national public campaign to bring innovative fitness and education programs to schools.
Lynn Camp Elementary is recipient of the program thanks to a $28,000 grant funded by Baptist Health. Baptist Health’s Corbin location is in the third year of partnering with Project Fit America to bring the program to area schools thanks to funds raised through their annual Silver Gala Ball.
Project Fit America is donated to schools, such as Lynn Camp, in exchange for their commitment to integrate the program into their existing school structure. Lynn Camp will also take part in a two year tracking of the student’s overall improvements in health through pre- and post- fitness tests administered each fall and spring.
“The kids love it. They’re getting in shape.” said school principal Anthony Pennington.
“They use fitness games, hula hoops, classes and other games that include math and science, along with health. Project Fit set the equipment and the program up, Baptist Health Corbin sponsored the grant, and we’re all benefiting from it, especially the kids.”
The program and equipment donated to Lynn Camp includes:
- Installation of state-of-the-art outdoor fitness equipment including border material and ground cover.
- Indoor fitness equipment including sports hoops and fitness cups.
- Training and mentor for Cody Dixon and David Bullard, health education teachers at Lynn Camp. They will be working to customize the program to Lynn Camp’s needs.
- A comprehensive core curriculum including lesson plans and support materials.
Representing Baptist Health at the celebration was Anthony Powers, who assisted Pennington with a ribbon cutting for the program.
“It’s a program kids really enjoy. They just get up, play and exercise, and they really enjoy it. We’ve seen a great improvement in their cardiovascular activity,” stated Powers.
Video of the event is available below. Photos are available for viewing and download from the KCPS Photo Gallery.
KCPS Photo Gallery (Click to view additional photos):
