Get Ready, Get Set, Go Gold!
As Monday morning came to a close, a program that was in jeopardy at a Los Angeles elementary shool was renewed.
The healthy living program Ready, Set, Gold! (RSG!) was allowed to continue at Figueroa Street Elementary School due to a generous donation from Samsung. The company also presented the school with 46-inch televisions.
RSG! is a program that pairs Southern California Olympians and Paralympians with children from elementary to high school levels in order to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
After four years at Figueroa Elementary, the program has reached much success, mostly because of funding.
The efforts of this organization have so far been really positive. Since its beginnings, schools participating in RSG! programs announced that 41 percent more of their students have scored in the "healthy fitness zone" of state fitness tests.
At the starting line of the program is the Southern California Committee for Olympic Games (SCCOG) and LAUSD schools.
“With childhood obesity on the rise, we are especially pleased to help kids get into shape through the Ready, Set, Gold! program,” said Barry Sanders, SCCOG Chairman.
"There is definitely a correlation between healthy eating and children becoming lifelong learners. A good breakfast, exercising, all those things contribute to success in the classroom," the school's principal said.
The celebration on Monday morning began with an appearance from Mayor Antonio Villarigosa and former Olympic athletes.
Villarigosa came to the school Monday to congratulate the students on their progress in the program so far and to celebrate the donation that will help them continue their quest for healthy living.
Figueroa Street Elementary and over 50 other LA schools are involved in working towards better fitness. With the help of Olympians such as track star Myra Mayberry, the students at Figueroa Street have been working on being more active every day.
Mayberry has much faith in this program and hopes to teach the students that success starts with healthy living.
"You can get a scholarship, and an education with sports," Mayberry informed students.
Good morning, And thank you for the nice write-up. Only one thing: no one is ever a former Olympian/Paralympian: always an Olympian. I know because I run the Ready, Set, Gold! program so I live w/this every day and it's terrific. And there you are for your future reference.