Children and adults throughout West Virginia will compete next week, in an effort to earn their third straight national title promoting active lifestyles through exercise and healthy living. In Monongalia County, West Virginia University’s College of Physical Activity and Sport Science physical education teacher education graduate students and faculty members will help direct activities at a local school.

The 2015 Just-a-Minute World Record Day will launch on Feb. 12. Schools, groups, organizations and businesses across West Virginia will participate this year to promote wellness and maintain the state’s record as a leader in the program.

In Morgantown, Mylan Park Elementary School will host its version of the World Record Day at 1:30 p.m. Students, teachers and other personnel will perform the “Happy Dance,” first created in celebration of “Let’s Move McDowell,” held last year in McDowell County to promote physical activity in schools.

The JAM organization tracks online registration and rankings. Earlier this week, West Virginia led the nation with 7.33 percent of the population registered to participate in JAM, representing 240 schools.

Partners in the JAM event include the West Virginia Physical Activity Plan, supporting school-based initiatives to improve healthy lifestyles and quality of life. WVPAP supports 60 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis. Numerous WVU CPASS faculty members have provided leadership in the development and implementation of the plan.

Other event partners include the Governor’s Office, the West Virginia Department of Education and the Monongalia County Board of Education.

Schools may sign up for JAM and view the “Happy Dance” video on the WV PAP website, http://www.wvphysicalactivity.org.
For more information, to register or to view current state rankings, visit http://www.jamschoolprogram.com/jamday.

McDowell County schools have embraced physical activity strategies through the program McDowell CHOICES, Coordinated Health Opportunities Involving Communities, Environments and Schools. The program focuses on school-based physical activity for citizens of the county, before, during and after school. For more details, visit http://www.mcdowellchoices.org.

The national JAM program features free health tips, exercise videos, and fitness resources for schools.

-WVU-

kc/02/05/15

CONTACT: Kimberly Cameon, WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
304.293.0827, Kimberly.Cameon@mail.wvu.edu

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