Acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson presented the Lawrence Township School Foundation with a “Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future Champion Award”.  The award recognizes programs throughout the nation that are addressing childhood obesity prevention by helping kids stay active.  Dr. Galson presented the award on May 28th at a news conference at Douglas Park.

My Community Gets Healthy (MCGH) is a comprehensive, sustainable fitness and wellness program that has expanded into all Lawrence Township public schools.  MCGH involves fitness instruction during and after school and also incorporates wellness instruction for families.

MCGH’s goals are to:
*Increase fitness awareness
*Develop a healthy lifestyle curriculum
*Connect resources within the school community
*Document & measure the impact of program

Over 700 Lawrence Township students participated in the Up and Running program, the after school component of MCGH.  The students trained most of the second semester two days after school with the help of mentors (teachers & parent volunteers) and they trained at least one day at home.  The goal of training was to participate in the Geist Half Marathon & 5K  on May 17th.

The Foundation is seeking corporate partners for My Community Gets Healthy.  You can sponsor a school team for $500 and other program sponsorship levels are available.  For more information, please contact Christie Love, Foundation Executive Director, at 317-423-8300.

Picture caption:  Lawrence Township Up and Running participants pose with U.S. Surgeon General Steven Galson, who presented an award to the Lawrence Township School Foundation’s fitness program.

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