If you are a kid or a kid at heart, Governor Jim Douglas and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports challenge you to stretch your limits this winter!

JAMES H. DOUGLAS
GOVERNOR

State of Vermont
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

For Immediate Release:
April 13, 2005

For More Information, Contact:
Janet Franz, Public Relations Chair,
wordsmithproductions@earthlink.net,
(802) 985-9929, (802) 238-8182

Governor Rewards Vermont Kids For Physical Activity

The following children recently received an award from Governor James Douglas and the Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for participating in the Stretch Your Limits Winter Challenge, a seasonal program of the Governor's Fit and Healthy Kids Initiative.

• Sylvia Woodmansee, age 11, Westfield
• Kristen Bennett, 11, Jay
• Vincent Jenna, 10, Jay
• Rosie Whepler, 12, Westfield
• Chloe Rose Elliot, 10, Jay
• Mary Porter, 8, East Montpelier
• Gordon MacMaster, 7, Woodstock
• Cassidy William Moore, 9, Colchester
• Kimber Barbeau, 9, Newport
• Colleen Fabian, 9, Newport
• Cassandra Elliot, 10, Newport
• Cheri Vinal, 11, Newport
• Emily Rule, 12, New Haven
• Courtney Webster, 14, North Ferrisburgh
• Amelia Norris, 13, Starksboro
• Hanna Faesy, 13, Starksboro
• Jamie Cousineau, 13, New Haven
• Ben Jacobs, 13, North Ferrisburgh
• Kasey Colonder, 13, New Haven
• Harper Davis, 12, New Haven
• Ryan Benson, 13, Bristol
• Winter Rose Morse, 7, Barre
• Kassandra Lee Harmon, 11, Troy
• Dylan Putvain, 9, Troy
• Jacob Lee Mayhew, 9, Troy
• Teale Lynne Mayhew, 9, Troy
• Kathlyn Dingman, 9, Troy
• Tyler Michael James Birch, 9, Troy
• Danielle Gabucci, 8, Troy
• Brittney Harmon, 13, North Troy
• Johnna Uhlendorff, 9, Troy
• Melody Mayhew, 11, North Troy
• Cody Stanowski, 4, Rutland
• Lucas Morissette, 11, St. Albans
• Mathieu Morissette, 11, St. Albans
• Brandi Trombly, 11, Westfield
• Dianna Lemieux, 25, Rutland
• Ed Barber, 47, Newport
• Denise Rowell, 21, Barton

The challenge encouraged young Vermonters, and those who are young-at-heart, to participate in a physical fitness activity or sport they have never tried before. From February 1 through March 15, children were encouraged to keep track of their activities and write to the Governor describing how they have stretched their limits.

Governor Douglas said it is important to encourage young Vermonters to engage in activities that help them learn to be healthy throughout their lives. "The winter season presents excellent opportunities to motivate our children to get more exercise and make healthy choices by trying new activities," said Douglas. "Whether it's hockey or figure skating, snowshoeing, skiing or snowboarding, or indoor activities like basketball or volleyball, there are plenty of opportunities to try new activities throughout the winter." The Governor did note, however, that appropriate supervision and safety issues must be considered. "I hope every Vermonter will stretch their limits with me every season of the year, for fit and healthy kids and for a healthier Vermont."

Coordinated by the Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the Department of Health, the Fit and Healthy Kids Initiative is a comprehensive approach to promote healthy eating and increased physical activity among Vermont's children and their families. Studies show that children who eat well and get plenty of exercise perform better in school and avoid chronic and costly diseases as adults.

The Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a physical activity promotion and advocacy group created by state legislation in 1982, encourages Vermont citizens to get involved in better health through exercise and sports. The council is comprised of approximately 20 volunteers, appointed by the Governor and representing a broad spectrum of Vermonters.

Jason Gibbs
Governor's Press Secretary

109 State Street
The Pavilion
Montpelier, VT 05609-0101
www.vermont.gov
Telephone: 802.828.3333
Fax: 802.828.3339
TDD: 802.828.3345