WCPSS Students are First in Fitness!
April 5, 2005 - Students from Wake County elementary and middle schools will take part in the 23rd anniversary of Wake County Public School's "First in Fitness" competition.Established by former elementary physical education teacher, Ben Tench, "First in Fitness" is one of the oldest on-going physical fitness events in the country. Over 50 elementary schools and 20 middle schools will be sending teams of students to compete in a variety of fitness events including the mile run, pull-ups, one-minute jump rope, shuttle run, broad jump, 100-yard dash, a modified triathlon, and other track and field events.
Ben's idea has grown from a single event involving a handful of schools and about 100 students, to a massive countywide spectacle involving over 70 schools with thousands of participants, spectators, event coordinators, PEPI students, and judges. Over 6,000 parents, students, teachers, and other guests will attend and/or participate in this year's events. The events will be held at four different venues during the months of April and May. They include:
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April 19, 9:30 a.m. |
Northern Area Elementary First in Fitness at Sanderson High School |
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April 20, 9:30 a.m. |
Southern Area Elementary First in Fitness at Athens Drive High School |
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April 21, 9:30 a.m. |
Middle School First in Fitness at Athens Drive High School |
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May 6, 9:30 a.m. |
Elementary Magnet Schools Track and Field Meet at Broughton High School |
With our country's growing obesity and type II diabetes trend among school-aged youth (especially minority students), Wake County Public School System's "First in Fitness" event will provide an interesting contrast to this national and state concern.
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