TRAINING SESSION SET FOR 145 WISCONSIN SCHOOLS SATURDAY AT LAMBEAU

The Green Bay Packers and the American Heart Association have joined together to create "What Moves U," a new program offered to middle schools throughout Wisconsin designed to combat childhood obesity with the help of the state's teachers.

The program to promote healthy living will be introduced Saturday, Feb. 16, to 200 attendees from 145 Wisconsin schools during a kickoff event that will provide a distribution of the "What Moves U" activation binder, educational speakers and activity demonstrations. The binder includes curriculum created by teachers for teachers with lesson plans to incorporate activities into every class, not just physical education classes.

"The Packers are very excited to join with the American Heart Association to offer this program to Wisconsin middle schools to fight this epidemic," said Cathy Dworak, Packers manager of community outreach. "Our teachers already have such a positive influence on our children and we're confident this program will give them some additional tools to lead and motivate in this battle."

"We're very pleased to have the help of the Packers in this effort," Anne Simaytis, communications director for the American Heart Association. "More than 16 percent of children and teenagers in the U.S. are overweight - that is almost three times as many as were overweight in 1980. Our current generation of kids may be the first to have a shorter life span than their parents. The problem with being overweight is more than just physical; it affects the whole child. This program offers great ideas on how teachers can incorporate physical activity into their lesson plans across many subjects, including science, math, social studies, language arts and physical education."

Rock Gullickson, Packers strength and conditioning coordinator, will address Saturday's attendees and share his insight into the importance of adopting fitness as a regular part of one's lifestyle. Lt. Col. Bob Weinstein, "The Health Colonel," will speak on creating a culture of fitness among students.

Additionally, all participating schools will be entered to win one of four equipment room makeovers provided by the Green Bay Packers. Makeovers include new Green Bay Packers–themed physical education equipment and motivating signage. The equipment room makeover winners will be announced Saturday during the kickoff event.

Attendees also will enjoy lunch, and have the opportunity to visit the Packers Hall of Fame and take a Lambeau Field Stadium Tour.

The American Heart Association is working with schools all over the country, in addition to Wisconsin middle schools, to offer the curriculum kits. Schools not participating in Saturday's training event can still participate in the "What Moves U" by obtaining activation binders through the school's local American Heart Association Youth Market Director by calling 414-227-1418.