Schools

Chicago Bears' Steltz Visits Plainfield School

Timber Ridge was the state winner of the "Fuel Up to Play 60" challenge.

Submitted by District 202:

Craig Steltz knows a thing or two about the value of daily physical activity – it’s a part of his job as a Chicago Bears defensive safety.

So his words really carried some weight when he praised Timber Ridge Middle School students and staff at an October 15, 2013 school assembly for their dedication to healthy living and physical activity.

Timber Ridge was the state winner of the “Fuel Up to Play 60” program’s Scavenger Hunt Challenge. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program created in partnership with Midwest Dairy Council and the National Football League that encourages students to eat healthy, be active and implement positive changes at school.

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Students were encouraged to take pictures of themselves, friends, family and school staff completing a list of activities to engage people in physical activity. The challenge taught students that even doing small things throughout the day can yield 60 minutes of physical activity.

Timber Ridge has participated in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program since last year, led by Physical Education teachers Linda Reynolds and Morgan Nichol. Last year, Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett visited the school as art of the Fuel Up to Play 60 program.

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As Bennett did last year, Steltz led a team of students in a good-natured “competition” against another student team led by Timber Ridge Dean of Students Denise Bauer.

The teams completed several challenges including a football throwing contest, ladder run, balloon pass and a round of musical chairs. Steltz’s team won each challenge – but only barely. 

In a prepared statement, Nichol praised Timber Ridge’s students for their commitment to healthy living, and thanked Steltz for visiting the school.

“We have a great group of students who are very dedicated to the Fuel Up to Play 60 program here at Timber Ridge. They are always eager to participate in the many challenges” associated with the program, she said.

“Having an elite athlete and a great role model here to speak on behalf of eating healthy and being active is extremely motivating for our students,” Nichol said.


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