Hawaiʻi elementary, middle schools can apply to receive $100K state-of-the-art fitness centers

Continuing his goal of ending childhood obesity and fighting mental illness, fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld, chair of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC), has selected the state of Hawai‘i for its 2024 DON’T QUIT! Campaign. The NFGFC will deliver a state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center valued at $100,000 to three elementary or middle schools across Hawaiʻi this year.

Public and public charter school nominations for the facilities are now being accepted. To apply, visit www.natgovfit.org/apply-now, then click on the Hawaiʻi state seal to download the short application. The application deadline for Hawaiʻi schools is April 5, 2024.

“This opportunity for three suites of fitness equipment for our Hawai‘i schools from Jake Steinfeld and the National Foundation for Governor’s Fitness Councils is a wonderful opportunity and will be an even bigger blessing for our keiki who attend the selected schools,” said Gov. Josh Green, M.D.

Physical activity and exercise are shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life, and reduce health care costs, according to the NFGFC.

“I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact our fitness centers have on students and communities,” said Steinfield. “When you provide schools the tools, you’ll be amazed by the changes that take place. Not only are we seeing increased academic scores, but we are also seeing confidence and self-esteem skyrocket.” 

Each DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Carelon Foundation, and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Fit Supply provides the fitness equipment. The foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world. 

The NFGFC have delivered DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers to 46 states plus Washington, D.C. This is the first year that Hawai‘i schools are part of the program. By the end of the year, the NFGFC will have gifted fitness centers to schools in all 50 states.