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Nov 4, 2005 11:03 am US/Eastern
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NY School Kids Make Fitness A Priority
New Fitness Program Helps NY School Kids Make Exercise A Priority.
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
A recent study suggests that one in four kids in New York's City's public elementary schools is obese. As the battle against childhood obesity rages, an after-school fitness program is attempting to make a difference -- one school and one step at a time.
The students of P.S. 246 in the Bronx are stepping up their physical fitness training as part of the program called Running Partners, sponsored by the Road Runners Foundation of New York. The goal is to help schools make fitness a top priority for kids.
"We're trying to pick up that slack by giving kids programs that involve running and just give them a whole mindset for being physically active," said Cliff Sperber, the executive director of the foundation.
Coach Emily Sanderson brought the program to P.S. 246 nearly three years ago. Sanderson, now a teacher, was once a practicing tax attorney with an office in the World Trade Center. After 9/11, she decided to change careers.
"I wanted to do something that was fulfilling -- something that I was giving back to my New York City community," Sanderson said.
Rain or shine, they practice twice a week year round. The kids gain confidence, motivation and physical endurance.
(© MMV, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)