I am all for physical fitness, but must confess to being relieved that
we did not have to challenge Andy Baldwin in a triathlete competition in
order to get to play in this event.
For years, the most recognizable education slogan
has been: Reading Is Fundamental. That of course still holds true. Now we
want another slogan – Exercising Is Fun – to be just as familiar and
compelling.
Although it is not a mathematically precise
equation, we are relearning what our parents instinctively knew: Fit kids =
Healthier kids = Better students. When we talk about well-rounded kids, we
clearly want it to be a positive commentary on their interests and
abilities.
Given the prevalence of personal communication
devices and the popularity of computer games, we know that the thumbs and
the hands of many young people are getting a daily workout – we need to have
the rest of their bodies benefiting from exertion too.
The purpose of this program is outstanding, and so
is the approach adopted. Too often these days, when someone wants to
accomplish something worthwhile, we hear about government programs and
government mandates and government funding. This is rather old school – we
have a problem, we have a solution, so let us go and fix it.
Here, we are hearing old-fashioned, time-tested
concepts such as inspiration and motivation and individuals wanting to make
a difference. People with good hearts and good intentions have landed on a
good way to make this work.
After the kids are at this for a while, there will
be a question for us beyond the popular "Are You Smarter Than A 5th
Grader?" That will be: "Can You Keep Up With A 5th Grader?"
