BUFFALO, N.Y. — A school in Buffalo was selected out of more than 100 schools for a new fitness center.
Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils (NFGFC), said, "50 states! That was my mission. I wanted to put DON'T QUIT Fitness Centers in elementary and middle schools around this great country of ours. Mission accomplished!"
Dignitaries, school leaders, and students cut the ribbon on Hamlin Park School's new DON'T QUIT! Fitness Center on Thursday.
The goal is to make sure students feel good not only on the inside, but also on the outside.
Dr. Tonja Williams Knight is the superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools. She said, "When you feel good, when you are working out and you're eating healthy you are able to focus. It builds your self esteem. It builds your confidence."
Steinfeld added, "Academics and fitness go hand in hand. ... Interestingly enough, the most underutilized anti depressant is exercise. If you're mad, sad, angry stressed out, move your body."
Hamlin Park School was selected as one of three New York schools to receive the DON'T QUIT Fitness Center. According to a news release, they were selected "as the state's most outstanding schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit."
Steinfeld said, "Hamlin Park just proved that they are a community. They are so supportive of the kids. The teachers and the community leaders here. ... There is so much love when you walk into this building."
Hamlin Park School sent in a video and an application to try to get the center. After an assembly with Steinfeld, students were able to try out the new equipment.
"It feels good because this school really deserves it because it's a great school," seventh-grader Daniel Jackson said.
The center is financed through public/private partnerships. Steinfeld said it does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding.