Outstanding Adapted PE Program Award

Outstanding Adapted PE Program Award

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  PRESS RELEASE For moreinformation, contact: Sinu Patel (703) 476-3485;[email protected] Follow SHAPE America on Twitter; #SHAPEMinneapolis and like us on Facebook and Instagram U-FIT Program Wins Outstanding Adapted PE/PA Program Award RESTON, VA, April 20, 2016 — The U-FIT Program, a physical activity programfor children with disabilitiesprovided through the Department of Exercise & Sport Science at the University of Utah, was honored with the Outstanding Adapted Physical Education/Physical Activity ProgramAward by SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators. The award, which recognizes programs that focus on improving the physical activity of individuals with disabilities through education, sport and community activities, was presented at the Claudine Sherrill Adapted PE & PA Awards Breakfast duringthe SHAPEAmerica National Convention & Expo in Minneapolis. U-FIT is a family-centered programdesignedto build friendships, increaseself-esteem, and improve motor skillsand levels of physical fitnesswhile ultimately having fun in a nurturingenvironment. The key to the success of theU-FITProgramisthrough family involvement of thosewho participate. They encourageinclusion by inviting siblingsto come participate, andalso offer parentfitnessclasses and a parent education programwhiletheirchildren areparticipating. “Whenever thereis a childwitha disability in a family, it impactsevery family member in a variety of ways,” says Dr. Hester Henderson, U-FIT ProgramDirector. “U-FIT provides thechildwith the disability and their siblings theopportunity to come spend time witha university student for two hoursa week doing activitiessuch as swimming, dance, art, and games andactivities inthe gym. Parentsare also provided with a fitness programso thatthey can be physically active, or they can just take the time to relax. Thattwo-hour respitemeans the world tothem.” The programstartedwith 15children in February, 2000and hasgrown to includemore than 140 children fromages3 to22. U-FIT began asan activity programin thegymnasiumand has expanded to include an aquaticsprogram, anart program, and a dance program.
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  About SHAPE America SHAPEAmerica –Society of Healthand Physical Educators isthe nation’slargest membership organizationof health and physical education professionals. Since its founding in 1885, the organizationhas definedexcellence in physical education, andour National Standards for K-12 Physical Educationserveas thefoundation for well-designedphysical education programs across the country. Weprovide programs, resources and advocacy to support health and physical educators at every level, frompreschool to university graduate programs. SHAPE America has 50 state affiliates and is a foundingpartnerof national initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, Let’s Move! ActiveSchools andthe Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops For Heart programs. “50 Million Strongby 2029” is our commitment to empower all children to lead healthy and active livesthrough health and physical education programs. For more information, visit http://www.shapeamerica.org. # # #