Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel launches a fitness challenge for students, promoting habits in fitness, nutrition and sleep.<\/p>\n
OHIO, USA \u2014 Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel announced the launch of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge for students in grades 4-8 across the state.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe created this challenge so it\u2019s truly for everyone \u2014 from the super athlete to the student who needs an adaptive exercise, from the very active to the less active and everything in between,\u201d Tressel said. \u201cWe want kids to be excited about living a healthy life.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can get a kid, we can get a family, and that can create a greater impact across the state,\u201d Ginn said.<\/p>\n
Students will progress through three levels \u2014 bronze, silver and gold \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs 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,\u201d said Gov. Mike DeWine.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n