Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel launches a fitness challenge for students, promoting habits in fitness, nutrition and sleep.
OHIO, USA — Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel announced the launch of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge for students in grades 4-8 across the state.
The program begins Sept. 8 and will focus on building habits around fitness, nutrition and sleep. More than 160,000 students at 635 schools have opted into the challenge.
“We created this challenge so it’s truly for everyone — from the super athlete to the student who needs an adaptive exercise, from the very active to the less active and everything in between,” Tressel said. “We want kids to be excited about living a healthy life.”
Former Ohio State University and NFL wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. will serve as the Challenge Captain, traveling with Tressel to schools across Ohio to inspire students. Other former athletes will also participate, offering encouragement and tips.
“If we can get a kid, we can get a family, and that can create a greater impact across the state,” Ginn said.
Students will progress through three levels — bronze, silver and gold — by setting personal goals in each of the three focus areas: fitness, nutrition and sleep. The 90-day challenge requires participants to practice their goals for 60 of those days.
At each stage, students will reflect on their progress, a technique Tressel said he used as a football coach to promote self-reflection and goal setting.
“As Ohio kids return to school, the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge will help participating 4-8th graders build the healthy habits that will help them excel in the classroom,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.
Each school will have a Challenge Coordinator to oversee participation and report final results to the Department of Education and Workforce. Students who complete the program will receive achievement certificates.
More information is available at education.ohio.gov/TeamTressel