February 15, 2006
Presbyterian Hospital, the Bobcats, the Sting and the Bobcats Charitable Foundation have recruited 36 fourth grade students for a new leadership development program called “Fit for Motion.”
“Fit for Motion” will teach participants how to be healthy leaders through an eight- week health and wellness education workshop hosted at the Presbyterian Center for Preventive Cardiology at 125 Baldwin Avenue in Charlotte. Sessions begin Saturday, February 25, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. and will continue on selected Saturdays through April.
Presbyterian Hospital cardiologists, nurses, child life specialists, exercise physiologists and other clinicians will help facilitate a broad range of activities. The curriculum will feature a variety of exercise training, sports, Hip Hop dancing, in-depth consultations with dieticians and discussions on topics such as maintaining a positive body image and nutrition.
“Our hope is that when students finish the “Fit for Motion” program, they will use their newly-honed leadership skills to encourage positive lifestyle behaviors in their family, friends and neighbors,” said Carl S. Armato, Presbyterian Hospital chief executive officer. “Students who were identified as demonstrating leadership potential were selected by their principals to participate and the students truly have their hearts in this program.”
Guest appearances from players, mascot Rufus Lynx, dancers and other personalities from the Charlotte Bobcats and Charlotte Sting have been scheduled to help inspire “Fit for Motion” participants to become healthy lifestyle role models.
“The Charlotte Bobcats and Charlotte Sting look forward to partnering with Presbyterian Hospital to enrich the lives of the children who have been selected to participate in Fit for Motion,” Bobcats Sports & Entertainment President Ed Tapscott said. “It is our desire that all children live a healthy, full and rich life so that they might realize their dreams and we hope this program will play a part in impacting children’s’ lives.”
During a final event, students will perform with a dance and exercise group at Charlotte Bobcats Arena prior to a basketball game.
Students from the following Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools will be participating:
Ashley Park
Dilworth
Myers Park Traditional
Reid Park
Presbyterian Healthcare is affiliated with Novant Health, a non-profit healthcare system serving 3.5 million people in 33 counties reaching from southern Virginia to northern South Carolina, and along the southeastern coast of North Carolina. Presbyterian is made up of physician clinics and five hospitals: Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital Matthews, Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville, Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital and Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital. The hospital system is recognized as a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular, cancer, orthopaedic and women’s health conditions. Novant Health and Presbyterian were named winners of the 2004 Codman Award, presented by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, for excellence in improving the quality and safety of health care.
