Kids Fitness Challenge Press Conference
Friday, March 11
12 PM Warner Center Marriott
Woodland Hills

Assemblymember Lloyd Levine and the Fitness Challenge Foundation announced today the Lloyd Levine Kid’s Fitness Challenge” to help fight rising rates of child obesity and to promote a healthy, active lifestyle for kids. Kids will have the option to walk, run, skate, or ride the 5k course. To encourage participation in this event, free admission is offered to ALL PARTICIPANTS! Actor James Cromwell will be an honorary starter along with US Olympians, and other special guests.

Thanks to the corporate support of Kaiser Permanente, Wells Fargo Bank, and Westfield Shoppingtown, the Kids Fitness Challenge will offer events in Woodland Hills on April 30 and Panorama City on Oct. 15. The Schools with at least 50 participants will raise money for physical activity programs at their school. The Elementary and Middle School with the most participants will receive a grand prize including a gift certificate from Chick’s Sporting Goods.

Jim Osborn, general manager of Chick's upped his support by additional $500 after LAUSD Board member Jon Lauritzen took Levine's Challenge and offered $500 to the Fitness Challenge Foundation. The Foundation has more than doubled its financial support in 2005 thanks in large part to supporters like Chick's and the Daily News, Woodland Hills Hilton, Warner Center Marriott, California Credit Union, and LA Sports Kids.

Levine, who will contribute $500 to the Foundation and is challenging other businesses to get involved with this cause, got involved with this event after meeting with Fitness Challenge Foundation Executive Director, John Wordin and took to the idea of a fun, non-competitive event for kids and their families.

"This program is more year round with the education manual and after school program that has been developed. We are only getting started with this program. The Fitness Challenge Foundation will become synonymous with physical activity programs for kids that focus's on activity, nutrition, and mental outlook."

The press conference came on the same day that a LA Daily News article that revealed an California State audit found that physical fitness lags at LAUSD and the district failed on 7 of 8 requirements.

"Studies have found that physically fit students have higher test scores, fewer discipline problems, and stronger attendance records. We must do better. This program will get strong support from my office." stated school board member Jon Lauritzen.

"The Fitness Challenge Foundation is excited about this years events and look forward to seeing all the kids take part in a fun, non-competitive event. We will see thousands of kids on Saturday. Already we have kids signed up. We have plans to expand to more events in the future and thank every sponsor whose support makes this happen. We are making a difference." stated executive director John Wordin.

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