Three Missouri Schools to Receive State-of the-Art Fitness Centers

JUNE 11, 2019

Jefferson City — Missouri Governor Mike Parson, in conjunction with the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, announced that three Missouri schools were selected to each receive a DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center, valued at $100,000 apiece. The multi-million dollar DON’T QUIT! campaign has named Neosho Middle School (Neosho School District), West County Middle School (West St. Francois Co. R-IV), and Premier Charter School (St. Louis) as the state’s most outstanding schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit.

"Being physically, mentally, and emotionally fit enhances the overall education of our students," Governor Parson said. "It's exciting that three Missouri schools won state-of-the-art fitness centers. This is just another example that helps our young people become successful."

School districts were invited to apply earlier this year, and Missouri communities rose to the challenge by submitting many exceptional entries for the NFGFC to evaluate.

“I am thrilled for the students of these three schools and for the opportunities that are ahead,” said Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Margie Vandeven. “Improving not just the physical fitness, but also the mental and emotional health of a child provides benefits that extend beyond the classroom. Projects such as these help Missouri take another big step towards its goal that all students graduate ready for success.”

The program has now awarded fitness centers in 32 states and will make its way into all 50 states in the coming years. Each fitness center is financed through public and private partnerships and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. In addition, all fitness equipment is manufactured in the United States.

For more information about the National Foundation, visit www.natgovfit.org.