Obesity is a serious problem in our country, especially here in the Coachella Valley where roughly half our kids are overweight. Valley cities and schools are battling the problem by joining a statewide competition.
There was huge hit on physical education in our local schools as districts tried to make up for budget deficits-- and budget cuts are only expected to grow next year.
Palm Springs Unified School District had to layoff several physical education teachers. It's a major concern since 73% of students are poor and need help with health and nutrition, said Dr. Lorri McCune, PSUSD Superintendent.
"I think we can either be victims and look at what's happening to us or we can get active and do something about it," McCune said.
One way to take action is by joining a statewide challenge, sponsored by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
"We all need to take responsibility and that's what we saw today," said Jake Steinfield, Chairman of the Council, also known for his Body By Jake line of fitness products.
All of our districts and seven leaders from multiple valley cities are taking part. They are encouraging parents, teachers, students to join.
The goal is to see who can log the most hours of activity. The winning school could get $100,000 for a new gym. In 2009, Bobby Duke Middle School in Coachella won the gym. Palm Springs logged the most hours and, as part of the bet, walked away with Medjool dates from Coachella.
"I'm (going to) try to play football with my friends everyday and see if my family will do something too," said one elementary school kid from Della S. Lindley school in Thousand Palms.
"Everyday I'm going to ride my bike. I'm trying to get my sister going too," said another.
"We find once we get kids excited, once we light that match, they take off," McCune said about the competition.
Some kids were already planning to hit the ground running Thursday.
