In partnership with New Balance and Playworks, Curtis Granderson and the Grand Kids Foundation announced the creation of the New Balance Fitness Challenge, a six-week program to help promote healthy lifestyles for youngsters.
The New Balance Fitness Challenge, co-founded by Curtis Granderson, will launch on May 1 at P.S. 9 in Brooklyn with 4th and 5th grade students who will engage in recess activities and developmentally appropriate competition in line with Playworks’ FitKid curriculum to achieve goals around physical activity. Playworks coaches will lead bi-weekly recess activities with the students to promote cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. At the end of the challenge, each student will receive a pair of New Balance shoes to encourage them to stay healthy and active throughout the summer.
“As part of our NB SparkStart platform, New Balance is committed to helping young people discover what motivates them to be physically active,’ said Mark Cavanaugh, General Manager of New Balance Baseball. “The natural synergy between NB SparkStart, Curtis’ outstanding work with children through the GrandKids Foundation, and the inspiring mission of Playworks, make this an especially exciting program that we are proud to support.”
“On behalf of the Grand Kids Foundation, we're thrilled to partner with Playworks for the launch of the New Balance Fitness Challenge”, said Granderson. “Our goal for the next six weeks will be to engage students via friendly competition while implementing healthy lifestyle practices that will last a lifetime.”
“Since 2009, the New Balance Foundation has provided invaluable support for Playworks and the kids and schools we serve,” said Playworks CEO and founder Jill Vialet. “This New Balance Fitness Challenge takes our partnership into a wonderful new space by leveraging a range of great resources-including New Balance’s connection with Curtis Granderson, an inspirational role model for kids-to motivate students to do their personal best in a variety of challenges that marry fitness and fun.”
All students who complete the six-week program will be invited to attend a Mets game at Citi Field on June 16 where Curtis will recognize and thank them for their participation and invite them to enjoy healthy ballpark fare and an in-stadium celebration.
The New Balance Fitness Challenge is part of the New Balance Foundation’s “NB SparkStart” platform, which aims to improve the health, well-being and self-esteem of children around the world by helping them discover and nurture their “movement spark”- their love of movement.
