Long to receive prestigious leadership award

WEST CHESTER >> The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition has selected Jeff Long of West Chester, founder of the Healthy Kids Running Series, to receive a 2019 President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Community Leadership Award.

The award is given annually to individuals or organizations who improve the lives of others within their community by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activity, fitness, or nutrition-related programs.

Healthy Kids Running Series is a national, communitybased nonprofit which is designed to get kids active, feel accomplished and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Healthy Kids Running Series teaches its participants to live an active lifestyle through goal setting and dedication. Over 60,000 plus kids participate in more than 250 Healthy Kids Running Series nationwide.

Each Healthy Kids Running Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate race distances. Kids compete each week for a chance to earn points, and at the end of the Series, the top boy and girl with the most points in their respective age division earn a trophy. All participants receive a finishers medal, race bag and Healthy Kids Running Series tech shirt for their achievements.

“We are proud to recognize Jeff and the Healthy Kids Running Series for the work they have done to consistently promote opportunities for individuals to lead healthy lifestyles through their five-week running series,” says Kristina Harder, acting Executive Director of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.

“Because of Jeff and the Healthy Kids Running Series’ meaningful efforts and impactful contributions, we are one step closer to improving the physical fitness, health, and nutrition of all Americans. Their work reaches not only more than 250 communities across North America, but also serves as a shining example to inspire and motivate others across the United States to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.”

“Healthy Kids Running Series is designed to combat the increasing rates of child obesity in America,” said Long. “Our goal is to motivate, inspire and inform kids to be healthy and active. We are providing a fun environment to improve their self-esteem and inspire them to adopt a ‘Get Up and Go’ attitude. The support and growth of our Series has confirmed our value and mission.”

“Our goal is to provide a fun and positive experience for every participant and see them improve over the five weeks,” added Long. “This recognition is a true testament to our work and the impact we are making on the lives of so many individuals and their families.”

This year, the President’s Council presented the Community Leadership Award to 31 recipients across the country. These individuals and organizations have all made an impact by doing work in an area of the Council’s mission, successfully serving the people in their communities through sports, physical activity, fitness, and nutritionrelated programs. A full listing of the 2019 Community Leadership Awardees is available on fitness.gov.

Jeff Long