Neely’s Bend Middle Wins State Title in Fuel Up to Play 60

NASHVILLE – Neely’s Bend Middle School in Madison, Tennessee has been named the state winner in this year’s Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60) program. The school was awarded the most points in the program by logging hours of physical activity and healthy foods eaten throughout the day. The students’ efforts placed them ahead of the 1,259 other schools in Tennessee who also participated in FUTP60.

The Southeast United Dairy Industry Association presented Neely’s Bend Middle School with $3,000 to help the school expand its fitness and nutrition goals. Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens joined state Health and Education officials and retired Tennessee Titan Blaine Bishop in recognizing Neely’s Bend and some of their top-performing students.

“We are so proud of our students,” said Neely’s Bend principal Dr. Antionette Williams. “We know that childhood obesity rates are climbing, and we know that teaching students about good nutrition and encouraging them to get active are two easy ways to combat the disease and help them live fuller lives. To see the level of excitement and participation we’ve seen this year is beyond words. Our students and our faculty have outdone themselves, and I truly believe our entire school community has benefited and will continue to benefit from this program.”

FUTP60 is a partnership of the National Football League, the National Dairy Council and the United States Department of Agriculture. It encourages students to engage in physical activity for 60 minutes each day and fuel their bodies with nutrient-rich foods. Schools involved in the program tracked their healthy eating and physical activity behaviors every day through the online program.

“We’re excited that students are taking ownership of their physical fitness and nutrition. I hope Neely’s Bend encourages and motivates more schools to join this program,” said Joan Benton, SUDIA’s program account manager. “When students drive change, it becomes permanent, which will lead us to a healthier generation. I’m proud to help fuel that change.”

At Neely’s Bend, more than 155 students at Neely’s Bend joined the healthy eating initiative; 180 participated in the physical activity initiative. Neely’s Bend Middle School staff purchased instructional materials about good nutrition and physical activities and the benefits of both. The school offered Saturday sessions for students through which they engaged in a variety of activities to learn about incorporating healthy habits into their daily lives. Students were also encouraged to participate through school contests and incentives such as a skating party for the top participants, backpack giveaways and other small prizes.