MDwise, an Indiana-based nonprofit health management organization, has officially launched its Battle of the Fit program at Joy, Marsh and Springfield Elementary schools.
These three schools will be competing for the title of “Fittest School,” as well as monetary prizes to be used toward the purchase of fitness-related equipment. The winning school will receive $6,000. $3,000 goes to the second place school and $2,000 to third place.
“We’re thrilled to begin Battle of the Fit at Marsh Elementary,” said Principal Marsha Tappan. “We’re looking forward to the friendly competition and the fun we’ll have throughout the next six weeks between students and staff. Not only will this be a chance to introduce healthy, active events around school, but we expect it will have a positive impact on learning, too.”
In its third year, the six-week Battle of the Fit program requires participating schools to organize regular fitness activities for students to participate in for the duration of the program, including general exercise, sports, games and dance-related activities. These activities will be incorporated into the school day in places where physical activity currently does not exist. Students will earn points for being active, and MDwise encourages students and parents to track their school’s progress online throughout the competition on a specially designed website. MDwise will also share weekly health tips and small motivational prizes with participants in an effort to build momentum and keep kids motivated. At the end of the program, the school with the most points will win the competition.
“Each time we host Battle of the Fit, we get excited because we know how much fun these schools will have encouraging their students to be well and stay physically active,” said Dr. Ty Sullivan, senior vice president and chief medical officer for MDwise. “Obesity remains a significant problem in Indiana, and we need to do a better job of establishing healthy habits in our children to prevent the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Battle of the Fit helps us get this message across and do it in a way that is beneficial for everyone involved. We wish the best of luck to these three Michigan City schools!”
For more information about the Battle of the Fit program, please visit BattleoftheFit.MDwise.org.