Hamlin Park School is one of three schools to receive a DON’T QUIT! Fitness center.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Buffalo school was chosen out of more than 100 schools to build a new fitness center.
“50 states! That was my mission. I installed DON’T QUIT fitness centers in elementary and middle schools in this great country,” said Jake Steinfeld, president of the National Governors’ Fitness Council Foundation (NFGFC). I wanted to. Mission completed! ”
Government officials, school leaders and students cut the ribbon for Hamlin Park School’s new “DON’T QUIT!” Thursdays at the fitness center.
The goal is to help students feel good on the inside as well as on the outside.
Dr. Tonja Williams Knight is the Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools. She said, “When you feel good, exercise and eat healthy, you can focus. That builds self-esteem and builds confidence.”
Steinfeld added, “Academics and fitness go hand in hand. …Interestingly, the most underutilized antidepressant is exercise. If you’re angry, sad, or stressed out, , move your body.”
Hamlin Park School was selected as one of three schools in New York City to receive the “DON’T QUIT Fitness Center” award. The school was selected “as the best school in the state for demonstrating leadership in maintaining student health,” according to a news release.
Steinfeld said, “Hamlin Park has just proven that they are a community. They are very supportive of the kids. The teachers and community leaders that are here… “When you walk into this building, there’s so much love.”
Hamlin Park School sent in a video and application to acquire the center. After the assembly with Mr. Steinfeld, students were able to try out the new equipment.
“I feel like this school really deserves it because it’s a really great school,” said seventh-grader Daniel Jackson.
The center is funded through a public-private partnership. Steinfeld said it does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funds.
