Local businesses and organizations are teaming up to bring Project Fit America’s specialized fitness equipment and curriculum to two elementary schools on the North Fork and one in Riverhead.
Last month, three local organizations – GymGuyz East End, the Mattituck Lions Club and Kait’s Angels – donated a combined $23,000 toward the implementation of Project Fit America at Greenport Elementary School, Cutchogue East Elementary School and Riverhead Charter School.
It costs $17,800 to launch a Project Fit America program in an individual school, which includes state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, teacher training and a core curriculum.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up active, fit and healthy. This project will impact hundreds of kids for years and years,” said Dayna Corlito, GymGuyz East End owner.
Project Fit made its debut in New York in Riverhead’s five public elementary schools, where it launched in 2013. The program has been “tremendously successful,” according to Peconic Bay Medical Center, which spearheaded the launch in Riverhead.
Peconic Bay Medical Center is also the driving force behind bringing the program to additional schools on the North Fork, partnering up with local organizations and businesses to raise the funds necessary to get started.
The Mattituck Lions Club has donated $15,000 toward the program’s launch, and Kait Angels made a $5,000 donation as well.
“We are excited to help fund Project Fit America and bring this program to the kids of our community,” said Tim Bialeski, immediate past president of the Mattituck Lions Club.
JABS, a gym on Main Road in Cutchogue, also raised more than $5,000 toward Project Fit’s launch on the North Fork earlier this year.
Further support to bring Project Fit America to these elementary schools can be mailed to Peconic Bay Medical Center. Checks can be made payable to PBMC Foundation and donations can be mailed to 1300 Roanoke Avenue Riverhead, NY 11901.
