.gif) Education
Equipment designed to improve fitness
By
OLIVIA GONZALEZ HOWE
10/01/2003
Students at the King Academy of Math and Science can't wait to use
the new gym equipment being built on the school's playground.
It's not just any old jungle gym or slide the children will be
able to use in a few weeks. The new seven-piece equipment set,
including a sit-up bench and pole climb, is designed to challenge
and improve physical fitness. "It's going to make me buff and
strong," said fifth-grade student Reed Mells, who wrote a letter to
accompany a grant application emphasizing the need for new
equipment. "It's supposed to help us with our physical fitness."
Last year King Elementary School physical education teacher Tena
Kellar applied for a grant to obtain the gear through Project
Fitness America, a national nonprofit public charity, when she
became concerned about the physical condition of many of the
school's students. "So many of these kids in this neighborhood
don't get exercise, period," Kellar said. "A lot of them don't even
know how to ride a bike."
"It's a problem at any school," she said. "You would be
surprised how many kids don't get enough exercise outside of
school."
Kellar hopes the basic equipment will build student self esteem
and reduce child obesity with regular use.
Kellar plans to use the outdoor gym during physical education
classes as well as in an after school instructional program. "A
lot of these kids just go home after school, sit in front of the TV
and play video games," Kellar said. "If I can get them out here,
then the more exercise, the better."
Mercy Hospital has worked with the California-based Project
Fitness America since 1990 to provide six other Des Moines area
schools with the same $12,000 equipment, said Mercy spokeswoman
Daphne Christiansen.
Kellar anticipates the equipment will be ready to use in the
beginning of October. Also, she hopes the community will take
advantage of the opportunity to use it during after-school hours.
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