COLUMBIA, S.C. - Doby’s Mill Elementary School has been selected to the All-Health Team for its “Wii Are All Fit Project,” the S.C. Department of Environmental and Control announced today.
“The school uses the Nintendo Wii gaming system as a way to promote physical activity among students with limited mobility, and those who need a little extra incentive to exercise,” said Joann Minder, All-Health Team program coordinator. “The project is a creative way for students to exercise during inclement weather.”
According to Minder, the project is designed to tap into the popularity of the gaming technology to spark students’ interest to become more physically active. The Wii is used as an incentive or reward for reading and other academic achievements.
“To promote physical activity, the school also has a nature fitness trail, and sponsors annual Race to Read and Walk to School events,” Minder said. “All students are encouraged to move more.”
Minder said the participation and excitement has been so great that the school plans to purchase another Wii console and more physical activity related games.
For being named to the All-Health Team, Doby’s Mill Elementary will receive $500 to expand its project, t-shirts and other All-Health Team items, recognition on the All-Health Team Web site and a television spot on WIS-TV in Columbia.
DHEC, WIS-TV and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina sponsor the All-Health Team. Each month, the partnership recognizes an individual or youth group promoting health in their community. For more information, visit the All-Health Team Web site, call Minder at (803) 545-4501 or e-mail her at: minderjm@dhec.sc.gov.