World’s largest gym class
Published 6:46 pm Friday, May 6, 2011
Photo submitted / Students and staff at Howard-Ellis Elementary School in Niles took part in a national day of exercise Wednesday. A total of 836 Howard-Ellis students joined others across the world for ACES Day (All Children Exercise Simultaneously).
A total of 836 students at Howard-Ellis Elementary School helped Michigan celebrate the worldwide ACES Day (All Children Exercise Simultaneously) on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
ACES Day helps to teach children the important roles that physical activity and proper nutrition play in healthy living.
ACES is a one-day youth exercise program intended to highlight the importance of and need for youth fitness. The program has student participants from all 50 states and an additional 50 countries. Michigan schools have joined together in large numbers to demonstrate their commitment to healthy lifestyles. This year, nearly 1,100 schools and programs registered.
Gov. Rick Snyder served as ACES honorary chair this year to support healthy lifestyles for Michigan students and their families.
“An active lifestyle and proper nutrition provide a solid foundation for the health and success of our children,” Snyder said. “Parents can set an example by exercising regularly and eating right. Staying physically fit can be fun, especially when you do it as a family. Let’s commit to making Michigan a healthy state in 2011.”
At Howard-Ellis Elementary School we promote lifelong fitness and facilitate the development of a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is considered more important than ever in society due to the rising numbers of juvenile diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and obesity.
The program is coordinated in Michigan by the Michigan Fitness Foundation and sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. This is the 13th year of support from Farm Bureau Insurance which allows the Michigan Fitness Foundation to provide free materials to plan the event and to distribute stickers and educational newsletters for each of the estimated 450,000 participants from 1,100 schools.
“As Michigan’s insurance company we are dedicated to supporting programs that encourage Michigan children to pursue healthier lifestyles,” said Jim Robinson, executive vice president of Farm Bureau Insurance. “Our company is committed to supporting Michigan families and making Michigan a better place to live.”
