GymFusion Launches Sports Equipment Drive to Benefit Tucson Elementary School Kids

Tucson, Ariz.--Tucson-based GymFusion has kicked off Fit Kids, a campaign to collect new sports equipment for Duffy Elementary School and Senita Valley Elementary School. The campaign will run through January 31, announced Skip Bengtson, CEO of GymFusion. According to Bengtson, the goal of the campaign is to help kids get active and healthy by providing them with the equipment necessary to have fun while incorporating fitness into their daily lives. Bengtson cites alarming statistics on childhood obesity as his impetus to begin the Fit Kids campaign.

“As a fitness organization, we understand the importance of exercise in a child’s life. We feel it is our responsibility to do something to insure that all kids have the opportunity to live active and healthy lives. Unfortunately due to budget cuts, 92% of America’s schools have had to eliminate physical education. Through the Fit Kids campaign, with the help of the public and partners like Advocates for Student Athletes and Tucson Nationals Baseball, we aim to provide the tools kids need on a local level,” stated Bengtson.

To further support the Fit Kids campaign, GymFusion will discount memberships for anyone who donates a piece of sports equipment at any of the “Official Drop-Off Locations” throughout the Tucson area. Donors will receive a coupon worth $5 off their monthly membership fee to GymFusion’s network of independently owned local gyms, plus a waived sign-up fee. GymFusion will also make a $20 Fit Kids donation for every non donor who joins Gym Fusion between now and January 31.

“We are very thankful for GymFusion, area businesses and the public, for their support and efforts to help keep physical education programs alive in the school system" said Kaity Heath, PE Instructor at Senita Valley Elementary School, one of the campaign’s designated beneficiaries. “Sometimes the schools are overlooked when it comes time for donations, but we really need the equipment in order to continue to provide physical activity for our youth,” she added.

Equipment sought includes basketballs, basketball nets, footballs, soccer balls, kick balls, volleyballs, tether balls, Nerf balls, hula hoops, scrimmage vests, track and field batons, cones, parachutes, Frisbees and jump ropes.

Equipment donations will be accepted through January 31 at any of the following locations:

• FitCenter, 5555 E. 5th St. Tucson, AZ 85711 (520)571-7000
• Power & Physique Systems, 4400 E. Broadway Blvd. Suite 010 Tucson, AZ 85711 (520)327-3070
• Body Parts Health & Fitness, 6211 E. 22nd ST. Tucson, AZ 85711 (520)745-0060
• Marcel’s Total Fitness, 8474 E. Speedway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710 (520)296-1900
• Performance Executive Fitness, 2951 N. Swan Rd. Tucson, AZ 85712 (520)325-5455
• Pro Fitness & Health, 1290 W. Prince Rd. Tucson, AZ 85705 (520)495-4987
• Shut It Gate Hardware, 2094 N. Dragoon, Tucson, AZ 85745 (520)320-0680
• Canyon Fence Co., 850 E. 36th ST. Tucson, AZ 85713 (520)623-480
• Duffy Elementary School 5145 E. 5th St. Tucson, AZ 85711 (Starting January 4)
• Senita Valley Elementary School,10750 E. Bilby Rd. Tucson, AZ 85747 (Starting January 4.)

Fit Kids Statistics, courtesy of GymFusion and KidsHealth.org

• One-third of children are obese or at the risk for obesity.
• Only 8% of US elementary schools provide daily physical education.
• The current generation is projected to be the first not to live longer than their parents.
• Obese children are also at a risk for other diseases such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides. These are generally diseases that are found in the elderly, not young active children.

Kids who are active will:

• have stronger muscles and bones
• have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat
• be less likely to become overweight
• decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• possibly lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• have a better outlook on life

Contact Information

Ryan Lineberger

Business Development Director

GymFusion

Contact via E-mail