(ARA) - Despite all the media attention childhood obesity has received in the last year and all the warnings issued by healthcare professionals and government administrators, school districts across the country are continuing to cut physical education from curriculums.

Headlines such as "Gym Teachers First to Get Crunched Out of School Budgets" are constantly in the news. From Maryland to Hawaii, physical education classes are either being cut, replaced by noninstructional recess periods, taught by teachers without P.E. backgrounds or “updated” to include seated, sedentary lessons previously taught in classrooms.

In an effort to fill the growing P.E. void, Field Trip Factory -- a pioneer producer of community-based educational programs -- recruited The Sports Authority (TSA) to help schools teach children about healthy lifestyles. TSA readily agreed to sponsor the program as an extension of its “Get Out and Play” corporate mission. Two years ago, the partnership announced the “Be A Sports Authority” field trip, written and produced by Field Trip Factory in accordance with National Learning Standards, hosted and staffed by TSA, and offered to schools free of charge.

In response to overwhelming teacher demand, The Sports Authority has doubled its offerings to serve twice as many communities as before. Currently the field trip is offered in 30 states at more than 200 locations.

"The field trip emphasizes the importance of physical activity and staying fit at an early age," says Susan Singer, founder and President of Field Trip Factory. Children are introduced to many sports they may never have considered and/or had the opportunity to try. They work out with instructors, do jumping jacks, shoot hoops, sink golf putts, etc., while learning how the heart functions, how to keep their hearts healthy, and how different forms of exercise (aerobic vs. strength training) impact the heart. Throughout the field trip, children work in teams learning the value of rules, good sportsmanship and teamwork.

Safety is another important lesson written into the field trip, and for very good reason. According to the Centers for Disease Control, during the 12 months ending June 2001, nearly 2 million kids 14 and under were treated in emergency rooms for sports and recreation injuries. During the fitness program, students are taught how to fit helmets, shin guards and wrist guards for maximum protection. Adult leaders properly outfitted in safety gear send powerful "safety is smart" messages to young athletes. Children are also shown how to carry their backpacks to prevent back and shoulder injuries.

For more information about “Be A Sports Authority” or to schedule a field trip for Pre-K through 8th grade school classes or Scout troops call (800) 987-6409 or visit www.fieldtripfactory.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content