Kaiser Permanente Awards Cash Prizes to 3 Maui Schools

Students, teachers and staff members from 22 schools across the state competed to win cash prizes during the month-long “Fire Up Your Feet Challenge,” which encourages physical activity and wellness at school.

Students from Waihee Elementary School. PC: Kaiser Permanente Hawaii

Nine schools on Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island were awarded a combined $6,500, which can be used to fund physical activities, sports equipment and wellness initiatives on campus.

Three Maui schools received awards for their participation in the 2017 challenge including Pomaikai Elementary School ($1,000), Waiheʻe Elementary School ($1,000), and Kula Elementary School ($100).

Between April 15, and May 15, students in grades K–8 participated in the competition by tracking the minutes they spent walking, biking, and doing other types of physical activity.

Schools could win awards in several categories, including most overall participation, most walking, most recess activity, and more.

The following schools also received awards for their participation in the 2017 challenge:

• Kaelepulu Elementary School, Oʻahu $1,250

• Koloa Elementary School, Kauaʻi $1,250

• Haaheo Elementary School, Hawaiʻi Island $1,000

• Central Middle School, Oʻahu $500

• Aliiolani Elementary School, Oʻahu $300

• Kalaheo Elementary School, Kauaʻi $100

“This experience is a first step toward physical fitness for many students and families. Building and celebrating healthy habits as a community is key to creating a healthier Hawaiʻi,” said Mary Ann Barnes, RN, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals Hawaiʻi Region.

“Fire Up Your Feet” was launched in 2013 as part of Kaiser Permanente’s Thriving Schools initiative to help public, private and charter school students in grades K-8 increase their physical activity and stay motivated in a fun and friendly environment.

Through the Fire Up Your Feet program, Kaiser Permanente and Safe Routes to School have awarded more than $50,000 to participating schools in Hawaiʻi and $705,750 nationwide.

Click here to learn more about Fire Up Your Feet.