Three schools in Alaska were chosen by the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Council to receive new “DON’T QUIT!” fitness centers.

In addition to Knik Charter School in Wasilla, Mears Middle School and Romig Middle School in Anchorage wee among the states that received the workout centers. The foundation plans to reach all 50 states in coming years.

“Three schools really embodied our mission of building a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world. I’m thrilled to announce that Mears Middle School and Romig Middle School in Anchorage, and Knik Charter School in Wasilla are all being awarded a brand new $100,000 DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers. Congratulations to all, we look forward to visiting these three schools during our ribbon cutting ceremonies this fall!” said Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Council, who spoke those words in the spring, and then made good on his word and attended the ribbon cutting this week in Wasilla.

Steinfeld was well known for his direct-to-consumer sales of home fitness equipment, and he spent 15 years on the Home Shopping Network promoting his Body by Jake brand.

He witnessed childhood obesity becoming an American epidemic, and made it his personal mission to change the course of that epidemic. He became chairman of the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006 and served until 2011 under Gov. Jerry Brown.

He was then named Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils in 2012.

Through the cooperation of public and private partnerships with companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, NIKE, and the Anthem Foundation, the NFGFC rewards brand new “DON’T QUIT!” fitness centers to elementary and middle schools that show innovative ways to promote fitness and nutrition in their schools and community. The NFGFC has already dedicated DON’T QUIT! fitness centers in 42 states by 2022 with the goal of rewarding “DON’T QUIT!” fitness centers to every state in the USA. Alaska and Hawaii both received three fitness centers each this year.

Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships and do not rely on taxpayer dollars or government funding. Fit Supply provides the fitness equipment to help with the foundation’s goal in building a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.

The work is still ahead for Steinfeld. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity among U.S. children and adolescents is nearly 20%, or nearly 15 million American youth ages 2-19 are considered obese. In Alaska, the State Department of Health estimates that one in every three Alaska youth is obese, and two out of every three Alaska adults are obese.

This week, Gov. Dunleavy and Steinfeld helped cut the ribbon at Knik Charter School, where they were able to see the new equipment firsthand.

“Physical activity not only supports mental health but also enhances learning. Congratulations to Knik Charter School, Mears Middle School, and Romig Middle School for seizing this opportunity to help students stay active and healthy!” Dunleavy said.