In Action
NFL Network has recognized the long term dangers of the childhood obesity crisis and is dedicated to addressing this problem directly. With the support of local NFL teams and other program partners, Keep Gym in School is raising awareness about the need for quality Physical Education across the country. Keep Gym in School is dedicated to bringing genuine help to Physical Education programs by providing grants that help schools refurbish playing fields, purchase desperately needed new equipment, and fund teacher salaries. We're helping more kids get greater access to quality PE every week and fighting childhood obesity in schools every day.
Check out the stories below from the 2008-2009 Keep Gym in School program where NFL Network brought real excitement and real change to schools across the country and made a lasting and profound impact on their Physical Education programs.
2009 Grant Recipients
Pickering Middle School
Lynn, Massachusetts
New England was the latest stop for the 2009 Keep Gym in School program, bringing excitement and $50,000 in grant money to Pickering Middle School. With partners the New England Patriots and Verizon FiOS TV, NFL Network celebrated the adoption and refurbishments in Lynn, MA with a high-energy pep rally and minicamp. The grant money provided funding to convert a run-down locker room into a state-of-the-art fitness room with new cardio and weight training equipment. The grant was also used to provide additional Physical Education equipment and inspired the City of Lynn to provide funds to renovate the gymnasium including refinishing the gym floor. With the improvements, more students will have more access to better facilities and more physical activity classes – including a dedicated weight training and exercise class to educate students on proper technique.
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.
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.
2008 Grant Recipients
Edgar Allen Poe Middle School
Annandale, Virginia
Keep Gym in School got a terrific kick-off at Poe Middle School on Oct. 14. The day started with a pep rally and the unveiling of Poe's renovated athletic fields and new fitness center, running track, and PE equipment.
Jardine Middle School
Wichita, Kansas
NFL Network hosted its second Keep Gym in School minicamp event at Jardine Middle School in Wichita on Nov. 7 to celebrate its field refurbishments, new track, and fitness equipment.
Truman Middle School
Marrero, Louisiana
On November 11th, Truman Middle School became the third school to celebrate a Keep Gym in School grant, bringing students, teachers, and guests together to recognize the importance of physical education in America's schools.
Bethune School
Phoenix, Arizona
Bethune School in Phoenix United School District #1 was the site for the latest stop on the Keep Gym in School minicamp tour across the country. Students, teachers and guests gathered to announce the plans for the grant and to get kids excited about physical education.
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!
