Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC), announced today that NFGFC has selected the State of Vermont for its 2023 DON’T QUIT! Campaign. To help reverse growing trends in mental illness and childhood obesity, the NFGFC will gift a state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center to three elementary/middle schools. Applications for schools interested in receiving a fitness center will be accepted starting today until Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Schools can visit https://natgovfit.org/apply-now/, then click on your state button to download the short application. The application is easy and the NFGFC wants to hear from as many schools as possible. They are asking schools to submit a short video expressing why they deserve a new fitness center and what they plan to do with it.

“For the last 40 years, I’ve led the charge regarding the importance of physical activity as a way to combat childhood obesity. But the benefits don’t stop there. Exercise has also been proven to provide a positive effect on a child’s mental health as well. Our kids are our most precious resource and by providing them with a strong foundation in health and fitness, we will be helping them excel beyond their wildest dreams,” said Jake Steinfeld. “It’s inspiring to see elected leaders like Governor Phil Scott champion the DON’T QUIT! vision by jumping onboard and welcoming us into the great state of Vermont.”

“I’ve always believed it’s critical to encourage our youth to be active and embrace healthy lifestyles, which has countless positive impacts,” said Governor Scott. “Regular exercise has so many benefits, including improving mental health. I’m thrilled that Jake Steinfeld is bringing his DON’T QUIT! Campaign to Vermont, and excited for the opportunity it presents. Elementary and middle schools now have an opportunity to win a new DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center. I encourage all our schools to apply for this wonderful gift that will help our students stay fit and healthy.”

“We’ve delivered DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers to 42 states plus Washington, D.C., and this year we are adding four more states to our DON’T QUIT! family including Vermont,” stated Steinfeld. “I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact our fitness centers have on students and communities. When you provide schools the tools and inspiration, you’ll be amazed by the changes that take place. Not only are we seeing increased academic scores, but we are also seeing self-esteem skyrocket.”

The NFGFC will have gifted fitness centers to all 50 states within the next few years. Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Elevance Health Foundation, Wheels Up and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Fitness Supply provides the fitness equipment. The foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.

Physical activity and exercise are shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life, and reduce health care costs. In schools, studies show that physical activity improves academic achievement, increases confidence and self-esteem, reduces discipline problems, cuts absenteeism, and fosters better interpersonal relationships.