Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SHAPE America and Gopher Announce 2019 Impact School Grant Recipients in Five States
RESTON, VA, October 10, 2019 – SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators and Gopher, announced today the selection of five SHAPE America Impact School grant recipients as part of a partnership to improve existing health and physical education programs across the country. The selected grantees represent more than 1,900 students and include Title I elementary and middle schools from five states, ranging from 42-90 percent free and reduced lunch.
Congratulations to this year’s SHAPE America Impact Schools Grant recipients:
- Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreon Jr. Academy - Indio, CA
- Jerome D. Mack Middle School - Las Vegas, NV
- Albert Einstein Academy of Ohio - N. Olmsted, OH
- Thomas County Middle School - Thomasville, GA
- Carl Sandburg School - Freeport, IL
In the months ahead, these five schools will benefit from free professional development and much-needed funds raised through the "Big Feats for SHAPE America" (Big Feats) Virtual Race.
"We could not be prouder to be in our second year of this incredible give-back program at SHAPE America, and I am especially excited about this year’s grantees, each of whom has demonstrated clear need and a strong desire to foster a more active, healthy learning environment for their students,” said SHAPE America CEO Stephanie Morris.
A nationwide campaign, the Big Feats Virtual Race will engage students, parents, teachers and the community at-large in a six-week physical activity challenge beginning on October 22 and culminating on December 3. 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 the five schools in high-need areas across the country that were 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.
All five 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 and online professional development. All recipients will also receive $1,000 from Gopher to attend the 2020 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Salt Lake City, UT. and participate in unique professional development opportunities to benefit their health and physical education programs.
In addition to these opportunities, Gopher is honored to continue their 100% match for recipients of the funds raised through SHAPE America’s new Big Feats Virtual Race! Schools that choose to redeem the funds raised through the program with Gopher will receive a 1:1 match, doubling the support for health and physical education locally.
“As the national partner for the Big Feats Virtual Race, we are thrilled to enhance the impact this program will have on the physical education programs and physical activity of students at these schools by doubling their spending power”, said Matt Ginskey, VP of Marketing. “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.”
Individual registration to participate in the Big Feats Virtual Race is $25 and includes a medal and a digital race bib.
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 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 starting October 22. Learn more at https://www.shapeamerica.org/bigfeats.
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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 the nation’s largest nonprofit membership organization of health and physical education professionals. Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education, and the National Standards for K-12 Physical Education serve as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country. SHAPE America provides programs, resources and advocacy to support health and physical educators at every level, from preschool to university graduate programs. For more information, visit www.shapeamerica.org.
The SHAPE America Impact Schools grant program identifies and provides much-needed funds and professional development opportunities to 10 eligible schools across the country. Funds raised for this program will be used to improve existing health and physical education programs and help teachers continue their studies and build expertise. More information is available at www.shapeamerica.org/grants.