Henry P. Clough Elementary School Wins
Visit from
New England Patriots Player Devin McCourty
School’s exceptional contest entry wins national
Fuel Up to Play 60 Physical Activity Challenge.
School also awarded $3,999 by New England
Dairy & Food Council for Fuel Up to Play 60.
Four hundred sixty students from Henry P. Clough Elementary
School in Mendon, Mass. had the opportunity today to meet Devin McCourty of the
New England Patriots due to their winning entry in the national Fuel Up to Play
60 Activity Scavenger Hunt Challenge. The Challenge encouraged students to
submit photos of their favorite physical activities. Henry P. Clough Elementary
School was selected from hundreds of entries nationwide with their creative
approach to getting active at school through wheelbarrow races, bicep curls
using milk jugs, hula hoop contests, piggyback races and building human
pyramids.
During a school-wide assembly, McCourty talked to the
students about the importance of eating nutrient-rich foods like low-fat and
fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. He also encouraged physical
activity by leading the students in a walk around the school building. Fuel Up
to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program created in
partnership with National Dairy Council and the National Football League that
encourages students to eat healthy, be active and implement positive, healthy
changes at school.
“We could not be more impressed by the Challenge submissions
sent in by students and schools across the country and here in New England,”
said New England Dairy & Food Council Nutrition Specialist Diane Krol, RD.
“It is truly inspiring to see how these kids are making a difference in their
health and at their schools.”
Henry P. Clough Elementary School was also recently chosen
to receive $3,999 to support its Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative. The school will
use the funds to implement a Grab ‘n’ Go breakfast station, add a new salad bar
to the cafeteria, and purchase scooters for the before-school activity program.
This nationwide funding program offers schools up to $4,000 to help them
increase awareness of and access to healthy foods and physical activity
opportunities for students. Funding for this competitive program is provided by
New England Dairy & Food Council and the dairy farmers of Massachusetts.
Nearly 73,000 schools are involved in Fuel Up to Play 60
nationwide, including almost 2,200 schools in Massachusetts. Funds for Fuel Up
to Play 60 provide support for a variety of activities and tools, such as
foodservice materials and equipment, nutrition and physical education
materials, student and staff incentives, staff development and overall Fuel Up
to Play 60 implementation.
For more information about Fuel Up to Play 60 or to sign up
for the program, visit www.FuelUpToPlay60.com or
www.newenglanddairycouncil.org.
