Liberty schools awarded fitness center
By Sarah Lehr
LIBERTY
Liberty schools are one of three Ohio school districts to be awarded a “Don’t Quit” fitness center via the National Governors’ Fitness Council.
The school will unveil the new center, worth about $100,000, at a ribbon-cutting this fall on a date to be set.
Liberty physical education teacher Gary Hendrick submitted the district’s winning application, which included a video made by students involved with the speech and debate team.
“We’re just tremendously pleased and thankful,” Liberty Superintendent Stan Watson said. “It’s going to provide tremendous and fun opportunities for lifelong fitness skills. We like to keep the kids moving every day.”
The district plans to situate the new center in a common area between the elementary and middle school, Athletic Director James DeToro said.
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils encourages physical fitness at schools through public-private partnerships. Taxpayer dollars do not fund the fitness centers, according to an NFGFC news release.
Donors include the Coca-Cola Co., Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, Nike and TuffStuff Fitness International.
“I am excited that schools across our state took part in committing to promote exercise and physical fitness, and I’m optimistic that the three Ohio schools receiving new fitness centers can share their results as others seeking new ways to help young people adopt active, healthy lifestyles,” Ohio Gov. John Kasich said in a news release.
Other recipients in Ohio are Wilson School in Cleveland and Feilbach Elementary School in Toledo.