Let’s Move! Prevails Over Snow and Ice in North Texas
After two weeks of snow and ice in North Texas, sixth graders at Beth Anderson Elementary welcomed the celebration of the first anniversary of Let’s Move!
The February 16th event recognized the City of Arlington and the Arlington Independent School District (AISD) for engaging over 4,500 students in Mayor Robert Cluck’s Let’s Move with the Mayor program. Last summer, the mayor challenged fifth graders to take 10,000 steps a day during a 3 month period. Student participants, equipped with pedometers and tracking logs, competed for t-shirts and VIP tickets at the Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
In attendance were representatives from the President’s Council on Sports, Nutrition and Physical Activity, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They commended the City of Arlington and AISD for their extraordinary efforts, and for setting a positive example for mayors and local leaders striving to achieve healthier communities.
The celebration activities promoted the importance of both healthy diets and regular physical activity. Chef Ken Patrick, with the help of student volunteers, taught students how to prepare healthy grilled chicken tacos. Students received copies of the recipe and enjoyed taco samples as late morning snacks. Former Dallas Cowboy, Raghib, “The Rocket” Ismail, provided students with tips on how to engage in physical activity safely. Rocket taught students to breathe properly and engaged students in a lively discussion on the “most important aspect” of being healthy.
The festivities concluded with an energetic challenge from fitness expert Donna Richardson Joyner. Students and dignitaries were on their feet moving, dancing and doing calisthenics to lively popular music. Joyner challenged students to become Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) recipients by participating in one hour of physical activity a day every day for six weeks. Everyone involved is excited to celebrate the students’ success and see them receive their PALAs in April!
