In Action
Governor Martin O'Malley and the Baltimore Ravens
help launch Keep Gym in School in Maryland
Corkran Middle School
Glen Burnie, Maryland
Keep Gym in School arrived in Glen Burnie, MD on Tuesday September 29th to celebrate NFL Network's adoption of Corkran Middle School with the support of Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Verizon FiOS TV and the Baltimore Ravens. Ravens players, Verizon FiOS executives, and representatives of NFL Network joined with local officials to unveil $50,000 in refurbishments including a climbing wall, cardio machines, portable games and a major resurfacing project for tennis and basketball courts. The event also served as a kickoff for a year of fitness with the Keep Gym in School fitness program minicamp - where students participated in NFL combine-style events and drills.
NFL Network Analyst Jamie Dukes and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and center Matt Birk hosted the pep rally and fitness minicamp. Tight end Edgar Jones, defensive tackle Brandon McKinney and linebacker Jason Phillips were also on hand for the celebration and were joined by special guests including Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, State Sen. Ed DeGrange, county school board President Ned Carey and schools superintendent Kevin Maxwell.
The packed gymnasium was filled with cheers, waving pennants and pom poms, and music as the Corkran pep band played. Glen Burnie High School cheerleaders performed, the Glen Burnie HS Vocal Ensemble sang the national anthem, and the Ravens drum corps electrified the crowd with an incredible performance. Brendon, Matt, Jamie, and all of the special guests recognized the importance of Physical Education, challenging the crowd of Middle School to dedicate 60 minutes a day to staying active, both in and out of school.
With the Ravens drum corps leading the way, students ran out of the gym and took the field through the Keep Gym in School helmet, where Brendon, Matt, and the rest of the Ravens led students stretching exercises. The students then rotated through the fitness stations and football drills, getting active and enjoying the great fall weather.
Congratulations Corkran Middle School!
Make Your Voice Heard
It is imperative that our kids take part in regular physical activity and learn to live healthier lifestyles, in order to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
The Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids Act) would amend the No Child Left Behind Act to encourage schools to provide regular, quality physical education and promote healthy lifestyles. Tell Congress that we consider the health of our children a priority -- send your message today!
