Canyon Creek Elementary receives grant from ING U.S. to get kids moving

ING U.S. today announced Canyon Creek Elementary in Bothell as one of 59 recipients from 26 states across the United States to receive an up to $2,500 grant to inspire students to be more active and adopt healthy choices to carry into adulthood.

By Reporter Staff • September 25, 2013 6:19 pm
Northshore School District
Northshore School District

ING U.S. today announced Canyon Creek Elementary in Bothell as one of 59 recipients from 26 states across the United States to receive an up to $2,500 grant to inspire students to be more active and adopt healthy choices to carry into adulthood. In its fifth year, the ING Run For Something Better® School Awards Program is helping to introduce kindergarten through eighth-grade students across the country to the benefits of running and active lifestyles through school-based running programs.

Canyon Creek Elementary will receive $1,000 immediately, and up to $2,500, based on the participation to support a minimum of an eight-week running program that will conclude with a culminating running event in celebration of the students’ achievements. Schools can download unique running lesson plans developed by AAHPERD. Other program materials, such as sample eight-week training plans, distance logs and a running journal will aid in the development of running skills and preparation for a culminating running event.

“ING U.S. is committed to supporting education and offering a solution to educators who are dedicated to helping their students get active and reduce childhood obesity,” said Rhonda Mims, president of the ING U.S. Foundation and head of the ING U.S. Office of Corporate Responsibility. “Childhood obesity is an important social issue, and we realize schools need additional resources to help fully engage their students in enjoying and leading healthy lifestyles. Through ING Run For Something Better school-based running programs, we are empowering children across the nation to take charge of their health.”

Grant awards were available in all states and the District of Columbia to elementary or middle schools for running programs that targeted kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Nearly 300 schools applied for the 2013 ING Run For Something Better School Awards Program. An AAHPERD review board consisting of 80 teachers and education administrators reviewed all applications.

To learn more about the program and how to get a school involved, visit www.orangelaces.com. Grant applications for 2014 will be accepted beginning in December of 2013. Contact Pete Misner, pmisner@nsd.org, for more information about the ING Program at Canyon Creek Elementary.