Eustis Heights Elementary School is one of 60 elementary and middle schools nationwide to be awarded a $3,500 grant through the Voya Run For Something Better program.
“Congratulations to Physical Education Teacher Joshua Castleman,” said Chad Frazier, Assistant Principal at Eustis Heights Elementary. “This amazing opportunity is a direct result of his dedication to EHES students’ success and well-being.”
Voya Run For Something Better, in partnership with SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators), seeks to increase physical activity in students and help fight childhood obesity nationwide through the creation of school-based running programs. Research shows that physical activity improves self-esteem, school performance and overall well-being.
Through activity plans created by SHAPE America and based on the National Standards for Physical Education, the awards program will offer children a healthy start to life and foster their desire to exercise before obesity ever begins. Other program materials, such as sample training plans, distance logs and a running journal will aid in the development of running skills and preparation for a culminating running event. This event is held to celebrate the students’ achievements at the close of the program, which lasts a minimum of eight weeks.
Grants were made available to elementary and middle schools in all states and the District of Columbia. More than 300 schools applied for the 2014 grant cycle. A SHAPE America review board consisting of 60 teachers and education administrators reviewed all applications and selected grant recipients.
Nationally, Voya has committed more than $4 million in grants to school-based running programs through the Run For Something Better program, which will conclude at the end of the 2014-2015 school year. Since the program’s inception, more than 200,000 students have participated, collectively running more than six million miles.
Leave a Reply