Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Thursday, September 15, 2011

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A handful of fifth-graders will serve as 'Fuel Up to Play 60' ambassadors, helping teach their younger peers about healthy choices.

Kids at Tates Creek Elementary are primed to “Fuel Up to Play 60” after hearing a pep talk from a former NFL running back and receiving a $3,000 grant dedicated to nutrition and fitness.

“If you feel good inside, it shows on the outside,” said Artose Pinner, who also played football for the University of Kentucky.

He urged students to make the right choices so they’ll always be ready and to take the “Fuel Up” lessons home to their families, too.

“It empowers kids and gives them the knowledge to be healthy and get out and play for 60 minutes,” Pinner said.

The National Dairy Council partners with the NFL to provide resources and support, as Fuel Up to Play 60 advocates real changes to the school environment.

“Fueling up on great-tasting, nutrient-rich foods such as low-fat chocolate milk, yogurt and fruit parfaits, whole grains and salad bars, while playing for 60 minutes each day will help students feel their best and be at the top of their game,” said Melinda Turner, school program account manager for the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association.

P.E. teacher Daniel Hill discovered Fuel Up during summer break and decided to pursue it for Tates Creek Elementary.

“I basically teach choices: choose healthy foods or not, choose to be active or be sedentary. Fuel Up to Play 60 will give the students the tools they need to make the healthiest choice possible,” said Hill, who urges kids to try a new food once in a while and exercise regularly.

During the assembly, he also challenged all the homeroom teachers to make physical activity a part of their students’ daily routine.

Hill already has plans for the grant money: $1,000 for educational materials promoting nutrition (www.choosemyplate.gov/), $1,000 for recess equipment such as balls and Frisbees, and $1,000 for fresh fruit and vegetable taste-testings.

On Thursday, some children tried yogurt parfaits and cherry tomatoes, for instance. A group of fifth-graders later sampled broccoli, purple cauliflower and turnips.

Eight of the older students will serve as Fuel Up ambassadors, helping teach their younger peers.

“We’re setting a good example for others in P.E.,” said 10-year-old Abby Vires. “Every kid is supposed to get at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. If you lie around and get lazy, that’s not good for your body.”

Classmate Gabe DeJesus backed her up on the nutrition portion, too.

“It’s better to eat healthy foods like celery and broccoli, which turn into muscle. Chips and other stuff turn into fat,” he said. “The more healthy you get, the better you feel.”

At the schoolwide kickoff, Principal Dee Patrick stressed that Fuel Up will be a team effort with a goal of building healthy bodies and strong minds. She encouraged the kids to be open to tasting unfamiliar foods and to make exercise a priority, too.

“Part of your homework now every day is to get outside and play a little bit,” she told the kids. “We want to make sure your bodies are prepared and you get enough play – just like learning.”

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