FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SHAPE America and Gopher Sport Announce 2018 Impact Schools Grant Recipients in Nine States
RESTON, VA, October 22, 2018 – SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators and Gopher Sport, announced today the selection of ten SHAPE America Impact Schools grant recipients as part of a partnership to improve existing health and physical education programs across the country. The selected grantees represent more than 5,000 students and include 10 Title I elementary, middle and high schools from nine states, ranging from 58-100 percent free and reduced lunch.
“Gopher Sport is excited to play a role in helping to create needed funds directed at improving and advancing health education, physical education and physical activity initiatives for these Impact School grant recipients,” said Gopher Sport Vice President of Marketing Matt Ginskey. “Beyond financial support of the program – we are proud to partner with SHAPE America and their state affiliates to support and advocate for health and physical education professionals, schools and the communities in which they reside.”
In the months ahead, these 10 schools will benefit from free professional development and much-needed funds raised through the "Big Feats for SHAPE America" (Big Feats) Virtual Race.
A nationwide campaign, the Big Feats Virtual Race will engage students, parents, teachers and the community at-large in a 10-week physical activity challenge beginning on October 22 and culminating on December 31. Virtual race participants set their own movement and/or distance goals and complete the race on their own time, at their own pace, and at any location they choose. Participants also have the opportunity to raise additional grant funds for the campaign through their own personal network.
Eighty percent of funds raised by the Big Feats Virtual Race will be allocated to help support 10 schools in high-need areas across the country (selected through the SHAPE America Impact Schools Grant Program). The remaining net proceeds will help support local, state and national efforts and outreach for health and physical education.
Additionally, all 10 grant recipients will receive free membership to SHAPE America, which includes access to an array of curriculum resources including SHAPE America's National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education, Appropriate Practices for Health Education, online professional development, and a travel stipend to attend in-person professional development at the 2019 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Tampa, FL.
"Each of these grantees has demonstrated a clear passion for improving their health and physical education programs, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of their students and the community," said SHAPE America CEO Stephanie Morris. “We are excited to be able to advance this initiative that benefits schools and teachers.”
Congratulations to this year’s SHAPE America Impact Schools Grant recipients:
- Gen. John J. Stefanik Elementary School – Chicopee, MA
- K. William Harvey Elementary School – Ronan, MT
- Laurelton-Pardee Intermediate School – Rochester, NY
- Ruth Hill Elementary School – Newnan, GA
- Richmond Elementary School – Ridgecrest, CA
- Meredith Middle School – Des Moines, IA
- Buford Middle School – Charlottesville, VA
- Rebecca M. Johnson Elementary School – Springfield, MA
- ACERO Cruz K-12 School – Chicago, IL
- Schrop Intermediate School – Akron, OH
Individual registration to participate in the Big Feats Virtual Race is $25 and includes a medal and digital race bib, with additional incentives available at higher fundraising tiers.
Schools are also encouraged to consider using the Big Feats Virtual Race as a community service project for employee wellness programs and students. As an added incentive, Gopher Sport and SHAPE America are providing a free SHAPE America membership and one set of 30 Gopher FITstep™ Pro Uploadable Pedometers (a $900+ value) for any school team that raises $2,000 or more during the Big Feats Virtual Race.
Community members who are interested in signing up for the virtual race or in making a monetary donation can register at
donate.shapeamerica.org/bigfeats.
###
About Gopher Sport
Gopher has proudly served schools, athletic programs, community organizations and countless institutions and programs for over 70 years. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the products and services needed to increase activity, improve fitness, develop skills, create fun and reach a higher standard of learning and living.
We are proud to serve teachers, coaches, athletic directors, program directors and athletes around the world and are committed to offering the best equipment available to help both young and old lead more active and healthy lives. For more information, visit www.gophersport.com.
About SHAPE America
SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators is a 501(c)(3) charity committed to ensuring that all children are put on the path to health and physical literacy through effective health and physical education.
Since 1885, SHAPE America has defined excellence in physical education, and today our National Standards for K-12 Physical Education and Appropriate Practices for School Health Education serve as the foundation for well-designed health and physical education programs across the country.
Our efforts have contributed to direct support for students through state, local and national advocacy efforts, free professional development, and equipment for teachers and their students. We have also used our National Standards for K-12 Physical Education to support the efforts of countless organizations as they pursue their own social service missions. For more information, visit www.shapeamerica.org