In Action
Keep Gym in School 2009 kicks off in New York City
P.S. 126 Manhattan Academy of Technology
New York, New York
Kicking off another 'giant' year for Keep Gym in School, the NFL Network, in partnership with the New York Giants and Verizon FiOS TV, adopted P.S. 126 Manhattan Academy of Technology in New York City. P.S. 126 was first school in 2009 to host a Keep Gym in School pep rally and minicamp event to celebrate the refurbishments and new equipment provided by NFL Network's $50,000 Keep Gym in School Grant. The grant money provided the needed funding for refurbishments including resurfacing and relining the gymnasium floor, creating a dedicated fitness room with state-of-the-art treadmills and exercise bikes, and supplying much needed equipment for all of the school's Physical Education classes.
NFL Network Analyst Rich Eisen and New York Giants Cornerback Corey Webster served as the hosts for the pep rally and minicamp that also featured dignitaries including the First Lady of New York Michelle Paige Paterson, New York City Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott, Verizon President of NY and CT Andres Irlando, and NYC Department of Education Deputy Chancellor Santi Taveras.
In a special surprise for students, Webster also brought Giants defensive players Terrell Thomas, Dave Tollefson, C.C. Brown, Ramses Barden, Sha'reff Rashad and Vince Anderson who all participated in the event.
Students, faculty, and guests gathered in the gymnasium to recognize the importance of fitness as an essential part of every child's complete education. Students waved Giants pennants and NFL Network pom poms as the band played and cheerleaders performed high-flying stunts and cheers.
After the pep rally, the festivities moved out on to the field, where Corey and the rest of the Giants led students in a full stretch before rotating through all of the 8 stations – each student wondering if he/she would be able to work hard enough to make it to the NFL Draft in April 2010.
Verizon FiOS, The New York Giants and Corey Webster were happy to join with NFL Network's Keep Gym in School program to get students excited about a lifetime of fitness.
Congratulations P.S. 126!
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!
