During the month of October, Byron-Bergen students in grades 3 through 5 participated in the 9th annual Genesee Play to Get Fit Challenge coordinated by the Health and Physical Education Department at Genesee Community College. All elementary schools in the GLOW region were invited to participate. Byron-Bergen fifth grader Ruthie Kuipers won 1st place among all participating students in the GLOW region with 4279 minutes of activity recorded.
“I love this annual challenge because the students get so excited to participate,” said Byron-Bergen Elementary Physical Education Teacher Danielle Carson. “Ruthie really went above and beyond this year. I’m very proud of her and of all of my students.”
Kuipers was awarded a plaque by Byron-Bergen Elementary Principal Brian Meister and Physical Education Teacher Danielle Carson in her classroom. All student participants received a certificate.
The goal of the Fitness Challenge is to recognize the important benefits of being physically active, support efforts to battle childhood obesity, increase self-esteem and confidence, increase academic performance by promoting fitness through fun activity, and raise awareness that getting fit can be done through play. Through this challenge, life-long activity is encouraged, while at the same time facilitating teamwork and school spirit.