Brainerd School District receives grant for fitness program

The Brainerd School District will receive funds from the federal government to help enhance and maintain student well-being through physical activities and good nutrition.

The district was selected by the U.S. Department of Education to receive a $482,000 Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant. The city of Duluth also was selected and will receive $200,000.

U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar, D-Minn., said in a recent news release, "As a nation, we are faced with the frightening epidemic of obesity, both among adults and children. It has become an increasingly important national priority to teach children to understand how physical fitness and healthy eating habits can vastly improve their health over their lifetime."

"The grant will allow us to move our fitness education and assessments to the next higher level," said Coleen Carter, Brainerd High School physical education teacher. "It will help our students understand, improve and maintain their physical well-being."

The grant fits with the school district's plan. It approved a three-year agreement in July with the National School Fitness Foundation to provide equipment, curriculum and training to the district as part of its fitness program.

The National School Fitness Foundation program provides schools with equipment to set up a cardiovascular and strength workout gym.

Information is gathered on the progress of the students and is sent to the foundation. The foundation then in return will reimburse the district for the equipment leases. At the end of the three-year contract the equipment may be purchased for $1 or may be returned to the foundation.