ChildObesity180 Celebrates $1 Million in Grants Awarded to America's Schools with Boston Kick-Off Event October 15

BOSTON, Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Active Schools Acceleration Project (ASAP), an initiative of ChildObesity180 at Tufts University, convened students, teachers, and supporters for a kick-off event at Boston Public's Roosevelt Elementary on October 15, 2013.  The event kicked-off new physical activity programs in 1,000 schools across all 50 states that received $1,000 ASAP Acceleration Grants.

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The ASAP Acceleration Grants are the latest component of a dynamic national plan to encourage schools to increase students' opportunities for physical activity by putting simple, low-cost and innovative programs into action. Roosevelt Elementary launched the 100 Mile Club running and jogging program and is one of nine grant recipient schools within Boston Public Schools.

The New Balance Foundation was announced as a new sponsor of ASAP, providing funding for grants and program evaluation of ASAP's East Coast schools currently implementing the 100 Mile Club school running program.  They join lead sponsor Cigna Foundation, along with Kaiser Permanente and other private sector groups, as a key backer of this initiative. "We are thrilled to support ChildObesity180's Active Schools Acceleration Project. New Balance Foundation mini-grants to 100 Mile Club schools will introduce thousands of children to the great sport of running. This grant builds on our decade-long partnership with Tufts University and our shared commitment to child obesity prevention," said Anne Davis, Managing Director New Balance Foundation.

About ChildObesity180

ChildObesity180, based at Tufts University, is an organization committed to cross-sector collaboration to reverse the trend of childhood obesity. Using an evidence-based approach and business-minded practices, ChildObesity180 is developing and carrying out innovative initiatives to prevent childhood obesity. ChildObesity180 is comprised of national leaders from the public, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors who use their reach and expertise to drive an integrated national effort. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The JPB Foundation are strategic funders.

ASAP, an initiative of ChildObesity180, strives to increase quality physical activity in schools—to promote healthy, active living and the beneficial behavioral and academic outcomes that follow. ASAP is a partnering organization of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Active Schools and works closely with leading organizations including AAHPERD, GENYOUth, and Fuel Up to Play 60 and New England Dairy & Food Council, for whom Jermaine Wiggins is a local spokesperson.

For more information, visit ChildObesity180.org and ActiveSchoolsASAP.org

SOURCE ChildObesity180