3 Rhode Island Schools Selected To Receive New Fitness Centers

Three Rhode Island schools have been selected to receive new fitness centers thanks to a $300,000 gift from the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils' DON'T QUIT! campaign. Slater Middle School in Pawtucket, Pothier-Citizens’ Elementary in Woonsocket and Gilbert Stuart Middle School in Providence have been called "the state’s most outstanding schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit."

"We were thrilled to see how excited schools from around the state were to take part in our DON’T QUIT! Campaign. We had many exceptional entries this year, but three schools really stood out for demonstrating innovative ways in promoting health and fitness within their schools," said Jake Steinfeld, chairman of the NFGFC.

The council has donated fitness centers to schools in 32 states, with the goal of visiting every state in the country within the next few years. The gym equipment comes from TuffStuff Fitness International, and is funded by a partnership with companies including Coca-Cola, Nike, Wheels Up and Anthem Foundation. The gifts are not funded by any state funding or taxpayer money. The new fitness centers are expected to be completed by this fall.

Rhode Island was awarded the $300,000 gift in February and accepted nominations from schools across the state.

"The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils is thrilled to award Slater Middle School, Pothier-Citizens’ Elementary and Gilbert Stuart Middle School with new fitness centers that will have a lasting impact on kids and their community now, and well into their future!" Steinfeld continued. "Congratulations to these three schools and to every school that participated in the campaign!"

READ MORE: RI Receives $300,000 Gift For School Fitness Centers