OPINION: The National Foundation for Governor’s Fitness Councils brings its multi-million dollar ‘Don’t Quit’ campaign to Alaska

By Bill Bradley

Me Communications

Three Schools will be Gifted a $100,000 DON’T QUIT!TM Fitness Center

Continuing his goal of ending childhood obesity and fighting mental illness, fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC), has kicked off the year by selecting the State of Alaska for its 2024 DON’T QUIT! Campaign.  The NFGFC will deliver a state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center to threeelementary or middle schools.  School nominations will be accepted starting today until April 12.  Visit www.natgovfit.org/apply-now, then click on your state seal to download the short application. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, so nominate your school today!

 “In 2024,  we are fulfilling our mission of putting fitness centers in every state of this great nation of ours,”  said Jake Steinfeld. “For the last 40 years I’ve led the charge regarding the importance of physical activity as a way to combat childhood obesity. But the benefits don’t stop there. Exercise has also been proven to provide a positive affect on a child’s mental health as well. In fact, the most underutilized antidepressant is exercise!  Our kids are our most precious resource and by providing them with a strong foundation in health and fitness, we will be helping them excel beyond their wildest dreams. It’s inspiring to see elected leaders like Governor Mike Dunleavy champion the DON’T QUIT! vision by jumping onboard and welcoming us into the great state of Alaska.” 

 "The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Council promotes programs fostering healthy communities," said Governor Mike Dunleavy. "Healthy families are the bedrock of vibrant societies, and we're excited to join the ranks of the DON’T QUIT! campaign participants."

By the end of the year, NFGFC will have gifted fitness centers to all 50 states. Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnershipswith companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Carelon Foundation, and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Fit Supply provides the fitness equipment.  The foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.

“We’ve delivered DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers to 46 states plus Washington, DC and this year we are adding four more states to our DON’T QUIT! family including Alaska,” stated Steinfeld.  “I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact our fitness centers have on students and communities. When you provide schools the tools, you’ll be amazed by the changes that take place. Not only are we seeing increased academic scores but we are also seeing confidence and self-esteem skyrocket.”

Physical activity and exercise are shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life, and reduce health care costs.  In schools, studies show that physical activity improves academic achievement, increases confidence and self-esteem, reduces discipline problems, cuts absenteeism, and fosters better interpersonal relationships.

 For more information about the NFGFC or to download an application, visit www.natgovfit.org.

About The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness. The NFGFC envisions a fitness center in every school in the U.S., helping to build a nation that—through innovation and a “DON’T QUIT!” attitude—boasts the fittest kids in the world. Since 2012, the NFGFC has delivered fitness centers to 46 states.