Governor Eric Holcomb, Jake Steinfeld, chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils, students and dignitaries “virtually” cut the ribbons on new DON’T QUIT! fitness centers gifted to three Indiana schools. The Indiana schools were selected as DON’T QUIT! fitness champions earlier this year for demonstrating new and innovative ways of promoting student physical activity and wellness. The three winning schools are Perry Meridian Middle School in Indianapolis, Martin T. Krueger Middle School in Michigan City, Ind. and Southside Middle School in Muncie, Ind.
Gov. Holcomb signed a proclamation declaring August as “DON’T QUIT! Fitness Month.” During DON’T QUIT! Fitness Month, families and communities are encouraged to renew their commitment to making physical activity and healthy eating part of our children’s daily lives.
Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Anthem Foundation, Wheels Up and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. TuffStuff Fitness International provides all of the fitness equipment, which is manufactured right here in the United States. The NFGFC’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.
Every year since 2012, the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils delivers 12 DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers to four states. To date, the NFGFC’s DON’T QUIT! program has rolled out in 36 states and delivered to 107 fitness centers with plans to put fitness centers in all 50 states. Each year, Steinfeld and governors join forces at the winning schools to cut the ribbon on their newly installed fitness center. However, due to COVID-19, the NFGFC had to come up with a new plan – one that ensured the safety of everyone involved while still being a fun celebration.
The NFGFC developed its first “virtual ribbon cutting tour” where Holcomb, Steinfeld, school staff and students came together on a virtual platform to celebrate the opening of the fitness centers. Each school received a DON’T QUIT! kit that included shirts, face masks and ceremonial scissors. Go to natgovfit.org/dontquit-in to watch a video that captured this spectacular event. You’ll hear from Steinfeld and Holcomb and witness the ribbon cuttings as the new fitness centers are unveiled. It’s a tour like no other!
