LAUSD To 'Move It'

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is pleased to announce its first LAUSD 5k 'Move It' Challenge and Health Festival to be held Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 at Dodger Stadium. In partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers, this District fundraiser aims to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle among students, employees and community members, while raising important funding for the District's new Wellness Centers.

"A healthy mind starts with a healthy body," says Senior Deputy Superintendent Michelle King. "This event will encourage everyone in the District to lead an active lifestyle through exercise and healthy eating throughout the year. I applaud everyone who participates because it shows their commitment to health, while making a difference for their schools and the Wellness Centers."

Currently, a dozen LAUSD Wellness Centers exist throughout the District, with two more scheduled to open in early 2014. The centers offer health and wellness programs and services, along with primary prevention education, a connection to career pathway programs and parent education across the LAUSD community. Statistics show that 27 percent of L.A. Unified students remain uninsured, with 44 percent relying on Medi-Cal, an indication of the urgent need for the centers.   

The LAUSD 5k 'Move It' Challenge and Health Festival, kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 16 with pre-festival activities. The run/walk will follow at 9 a.m., with a health festival that takes place after the race until 2 p.m.  A separate 1k will be set-up for younger students, along with those who choose to run or walk a shorter course. Registration is currently open at http://moveit.lausd.net through Tuesday, Nov. 12, and on-site registration will be available on the day of the event.

Sponsored by the District's "I'M IN" campaign, an all-inclusive program designed to raise awareness about LAUSD's wellness initiatives to fight childhood obesity, as well as to encourage student attendance and dropout prevention, the 5k invites the entire community to make healthy choices and support educational proficiency for all students.

LAUSD also joins its partners in hosting the event: Beyond the Bell, the District's afterschool program; L.A. Trust, an organization aimed at improving student health and readiness to learn; and the A.C. Green Foundation. The LAUSD 5k 'Move It' Challenge and Health Festival has started soliciting support and sponsorship from its employee and parent communities, along with its business partners and community organizations.

SOURCE Los Angeles Unified School District