The Network for a Healthy California - Sierra Cascade Region is encouraging local schools to participate in the Governor's Fitness Challenge and empower students in our community to be active and live healthier lifestyles.

Students across the state are signing up for the Challenge in an effort to win their school a $100,000 fitness activity center. The Challenge requires students to be active 30­60 minutes a day for at least three days a week for a month.

"The Governor's Fitness Challenge is a great way to create a movement on school campuses while getting children excited about physical activity and nutrition," said Michele Buran, physical activity specialist, Network for a Healthy California-Sierra Cascade Region. "The Network for a Healthy California recommends children be active 60 minutes a day, and this promotion helps them reach that goal."

Similar to last year's competition, local schools with the highest participation and completion will be eligible to win a variety of exciting prizes. $1,000 awards will go to the elementary, middle, and high schools in each region that have the most active days by January 31, 2010. So far there are only 4 schools signed up in our region.

Last year, North Cow Creek Elementary and Blue Oak Charter won the front runner awards worth $1,000. Bella Vista Elementary won the Governor's Fitness Challenge Regional Award, giving them $6,000 to go toward physical activity equipment. They recorded 16,735 active days with 430 students participating and 100 percent of those students completing the challenge.

The Governor's Fitness Challenge also has Spotlight Awards. Last year,