The National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils is bringing its multi-million dollar physical fitness campaign to Georgia. The foundation encourages and rewards innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness. The program is open to all public or public charter elementary or middle schools throughout the state. Three schools selected by the foundation will be named National Champion Schools and will be awarded $100,000 state-of-the-art Live Positively Fitness Centers for their efforts.

"This is a great day for the state of Georgia. I fully support the efforts to bring the National Champion Schools campaign to our state to help our children get fit," said Gov. Nathan Deal. "I encourage every elementary and middle school in the state to work hard to get nominated for a Live Positively Fitness Center. This innovative program, which aligns with our Georgia SHAPE initiative, will have a lasting effect on the health of our children!"

The National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils program plans to challenge all 50 states in the coming years. Making this program even more attractive is that it does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Each fitness center is financed through a public/private sector partnership with companies like the Coca-Cola Company.

 "Gov. Deal's enthusiam for our National Champion Schools campaign has been fantastic. We both recognize that our children are our most precious resource and that leading them down a healthy path will make a huge difference for their futures," said Jake Steinfeld, chairman of the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils. "In every state we've visited in the past, we've seen how passionate students have become about exercise and the importance of eating healthy. Moreover, I believe that academics and fitness go hand in hand and that if you provide the schools the tools, we will build strong bodies and minds while boosting confidence, self-esteem and focus in the classroom. And in doing so, we are giving students the opportunity to excel beyond their wildest dreams."