West Nodaway R-I Celebrates Launch of Project Fit America

Heartland Foundation and students and staff from the West Nodaway R-I School District celebrated the district’s acquisition of indoor and outdoor exercise equipment made possible through Project Fit America on October 16, 2017.

Project Fit America (PFA) is a national nonprofit organization that creates sustainable and innovative broad based fitness programs in schools.  Heartland Foundation has served as the regional sponsor of Project Fit America in northwest Missouri and adjacent counties in Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska since 1998.

To date, Heartland Foundation has provided funding to over 60 schools for this state-of-the-art outdoor and indoor fitness equipment with games, challenges, and dynamic curriculum.  As a result, each day, more than 16,000 students in our region are being empowered to adopt lifelong healthy lifestyles.

West Nodaway Physical Education Teacher, Alan Calfee, explained the Project Fit curriculum, including indoor and outdoor activity, addresses fitness areas such as upper body strength, coordination, flexibility and more.  He added “the initiative goes beyond traditional fitness and is also helping students build social skills, character, and leadership skills.”

West Nodaway K-8 Principal Holly Brady said initiatives like Project Fit help fill the gap between what the district wants to provide students with in terms of physical education and what it can afford.

“Our school district and community do not always have funds to implement new programs into our school,” Brady said.  “This grant provides us with the necessary equipment and training to jump right in.  Bringing Project Fit to our school provides more opportunity for our students to connect and find motivation within themselves.”

“At Heartland Foundation, we’re passionate about improving the lives of those in the communities we serve,” said Judith Sabbert, Heartland Foundation President.  “We’re thrilled to partner with PFA, West Nodaway Elementary School, and the surrounding community to empower these children and their families to learn healthy habits and enjoy healthier, more empowered lives.”

Serving as a catalyst, convener, innovator and connector, Heartland Foundation is a public charity dedicated to championing education and empowering people to build healthy and thriving communities. Founded in 1982 and leading the region’s Healthy Communities Movement since 1994.