ING awarded 50 schools across the U.S. with $2,000 grants to help students combat childhood obesity. Through its ING Run For Something Better School Awards Program, financial services company ING, in partnership with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), is helping to introduce fifth- through eighth-grade students across the country to the benefits of running through school-based running programs.
Fifty schools will receive $2,000 in funding to support its new ING Run For Something Better program, offering students a minimum of an eight-week running program that will conclude with a culminating running event in celebration of the students' achievements. NASPE has developed unique running lesson plans, based on the National Standards for Physical Education (NASPE, 2004), and specifically targeted for fifth- through eighth-grade students. These activity plans, coupled with other program materials such as distance logs and a running journal, will aid in the development of running skills and preparation for a culminating running event.
“We are pleased to offer schools a grant that encourages healthy lifestyles changes, personal development, goal-setting and group participation,” said Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation and senior vice president, Office of Corporate Responsibility and Multicultural Affairs. “ING is committed to making it easier for schools to not only close the gap in student achievement but also advance student physical well being through ING Run For Something Better.”
Grant awards were available in all states to public elementary or middle schools for running programs that targeted fifth- through eighth-grade students. Over 300 schools applied for the ING/NASPE School Awards Program. A NASPE review board consisting of 100 teachers and education administrators reviewed all applications.
ING noted that nearly one-third of U.S. children and teens are now overweight or obese. Inactive and obese children risk multiple consequences including reduced bone strength, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels and asthma. If addressed at an early age, many of these conditions can be avoided.
NASPE Executive Director Charlene Burgeson said, “NASPE is appreciative to ING for helping our efforts to promote the importance of children's physical fitness and provide teachers and coaches with the resources they need to create fun and practical running programs for their students.”
