Olympians Torrey Palmer and Tamara McKinney will help Sparks Middle School and Glenn Duncan Elementary School in Reno launch the “World Fit” walking program on Monday, April 16th. The pair will be at Sparks Middle School at 2:00 pm and then at Glenn Duncan Elementary at 3:30 pm.
“World Fit” is a program developed by Team USA Swimming Olympian Gary Hall, Sr. (1968, 72, 76), aimed at combating childhood obesity by promoting fitness and the Olympic values through a six-week Spring walking program. Elementary and Middle School students in grades 3- 9, as well as teachers, family and friends can participate. Olympians and Paralympians adopt schools to mentor and teach the importance of lifelong fitness and the Olympic values of perseverance, respect, and fair play.
“It is an incredible honor to represent one’s country in the Olympics. By establishing “World Fit”, I wanted to create that same sense of motivation, fitness and pride that Olympians feel except at a much younger age,” says Gary Hall. “Hopefully, these children will walk away inspired and confident they can achieve a healthy, active life.”
Palmer was a member of the USA rowing team that twice won silver medals at the World Championships. After completing her Olympic career, Palmer moved to Reno and began her new career as a school teacher. She now works on curriculum and instruction planning for the Washoe County School District.
McKinney is a 3-time Alpine Skiing Olympian from Squaw Valley. She won the 1983 Women’s World Cup Championship and had nearly one hundred podium finishes during her career.
The Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition (RTWGC) partnered with World Fit, the Washoe County School District and local McDonald’s owner/operators to bring the program to Northern Nevada.
“Getting kids active and learning about Olympic Values is what we’re about” said Paul Heglar, RTWGC Youth Outreach Coordinator. “The program also can help build self esteem and school spirit for the students who participate.”
McDonald’s Sparks store owner Mary Pelton says the restaurant chains’ growing commitment to healthy menu options made it the perfect fit for “World Fit”.
“We love being in this community” said Mary Pelton. “We’re glad to help give families a way to have kids learn about health and fitness at an early age.”
Since the first “World Fit” walk in 2009, 23,614 students from 43 different schools across America have logged in a total of 2,872,900 miles … numbers that certainly aim high and set records.
Find out more about the program at www.worldfit.org.
The Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition is a non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting the Olympic Movement throughout the region and to having Reno-Tahoe become the next North American region selected to host the Olympic Winter Games. The coalition includes board members and volunteers from the public and private sectors of Nevada and California. Learn more at www.renotahoewintergames.org
