GENESEE COUNTY, MI (February 1, 2024)— The Greater Flint Health Coalition’s Commit to Fit program, in partnership with the Genesee Intermediate School District, is set to host its annual Active Schools Challenge in March. The Active Schools Challenge is free and open to Genesee County schools. Ultimately, the challenge aims to encourage Pre-K through grade 12 students to participate in healthy competition while promoting physical activity both in and out of the classroom.
Commit to Fit is designed to promote healthy lifestyles in Genesee County by utilizing a common message that engages all residents. The Active Schools Challenge was born as a result of a 2015 Genesee County benchmark survey conducted which indicated that 62% of surveyed schools were providing less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Research has shown time and time again that children who are active during the day have better attention levels during school, get higher grades, and are more in control of their emotions.
The 2023 Active Schools Challenge resulted in the participation of 34 schools (over 300 classrooms) with 4,000 students logging over four million minutes of physical activity in March. Concluding the challenge, teachers indicated a 71% increase in classroom participation, an 86% increase in student activity levels, and a 43% decrease in disruptive behaviors.
Commit to Fit Health Education Coordinator Alaina Larrea states, “This challenge is especially important because oftentimes in school physical education class is replaced and recess time has decreased over the recent years so this is a great way to get students, teachers, and parents moving! The goal is to strive for at least 30 minutes a day over the month of March, but some activity is better than none!”
Registration for the 2024 Active Schools Challenge opens today, Thursday, February 1. One teacher from each school can register their building and be provided with challenge tools by Commit to Fit staff. Register online at commit2fit.com. Questions can be directed to Commit to Fit program staff at (810)232-2228.
We would like to thank our platinum level sponsors Genesee Health System and Oxford Bank for supporting the Active Schools Challenge.
About the Greater Flint Health Coalition
Established in 1996, the Greater Flint Health Coalition is a Flint, Michigan-based non- profit organization and partnership between Genesee County hospitals, physicians, businesses, insurers, public health professionals, policymakers, government leaders, educators,organizedlabor, communityorganizations,residents,andallthose concerned about the well-being of our community and its residents. The two-fold mission of the Greater FlintHealth Coalition is to improve the health status ofGenesee County residents and the quality and cost-effectiveness of the health care system in the community. For more information on the Greater Flint Health Coalition visit www.gfhc.org.
About Commit to Fit
The Commit to Fit program seeks to mobilize employers, schools, residents, neighborhoods, churches, and the community at large to support and utilize a common message focused on healthier, more active lifestyles. This program promotes practical ways to increase health and wellness through simple daily choices For more information about the Commit to Fit program, visit www.commit2fit.org.