February 26, 2024

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Continuing his goal of ending childhood obesity and fighting mental illness, fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC), has kicked off the year by selecting the State of Nevada for its 2024 DON’T QUIT! Campaign. The NFGFC will deliver a state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center to three elementary or middle schools. School nominations will be accepted starting today until Friday, March 29, 2024. Visit www.natgovfit.org/apply-now, then click on your state seal to download the short application. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, so nominate your school today!

“In 2024, we are fulfilling our mission of putting fitness centers in every state of this great nation of ours,” said Jake Steinfeld. “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 affect on a child’s mental health as well. In fact, the most underutilized antidepressant is exercise! 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. It’s inspiring to see elected leaders like Governor Joe Lombardo champion the DON’T QUIT! vision by jumping onboard and welcoming us into the great state of Nevada.”

“It’s a great honor that the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils has chosen Nevada for its DON’T QUIT! Campaign,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “This campaign will help strengthen the physical well-being, mental health, and academic outcomes of our children and students.”

“Students that are physically active have been proven to excel in academics, boost cognitive skills, and develop lifelong healthy habits,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “The DON’T QUIT! Campaign will provide the selected schools with the tools and resources they need for their overall well-being.”

By the end of the year, NFGFC will have gifted fitness centers to all 50 states. Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Fit Supply provides the fitness equipment. The foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.

“We’ve delivered DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers to 46 states plus Washington, DC and this year we are adding four more states to our DON’T QUIT! family including Nevada,” stated Steinfeld. “I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact our fitness centers have on students and communities. When you provide schools the tools, you’ll be amazed by the changes that take place. Not only are we seeing increased academic scores but we are also seeing confidence and self-esteem skyrocket.”

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.

For more information about the NFGFC or to download an application, visit www.natgovfit.org.

About The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils

The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness. The NFGFC envisions a fitness center in every school in the U.S., helping to build a nation that—through innovation and a “DON’T QUIT!” attitude—boasts the fittest kids in the world. Since 2012, the NFGFC has delivered fitness centers to 46 states. In 2024, we will gift fitness centers to Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, & New York.

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more about NDE and join us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Instagram.