November 15, 2006
School Grants Awarded
The diabetes program received 23 applications for school grants this year. There were a lot of creative ideas for increasing physical activity in the schools and communities so it was a challenge to choose the winners. Most of them were well done, but some of the requests needed a little more thought and planning. There is a possibility that the diabetes program will receive additional funds and, if that happens, more of these grants will be awarded.
The first six winners should already have received their checks to fund their projects. Additional checks may be sent out by January if there are extra funds.
Josh Szurszewski of Akula Elitnaurvik School in Kasigluk requested funding for a kick sledding club/program. The program will initially be presented to junior and high school students but as it progresses, younger and older family members will be invited to participate.
The Oscarville Qugcuun Memorial School grant submitted by Chris Meier requested funding to expand their cross-country skiing program. It is an after-school program for older students and adults and the younger students would use it during the school PE classes.
Stony River's Gusty Michael School will receive funding for equipment for strength building, agility, endurance and flexibility thanks to the grant application submitted by John Fremin. They want the 20 items they plan to purchase to contribute to teamwork, individual sports and goal setting.
Nunam Iqua School, Sheldon Point, Ann Burgei and Esther Manumik wrote a letter supporting Lowell Garrett's grant application. This community will receive funding for a variety of equipment to add to their physical education program and after school activities. Their equipment purchases will include items such as basketballs, snowshoes and a table tennis set.
Sue McDonnell from Lower Kalskag's Zackar Levi Elementary School requested inline skates and protective gear to use for a night activity and in the PE program. The plan is to use this equipment for K-Sixth grade. It will be fun and also increase coordination and athletic skills.
Another school that requested funding for cross-country skis is Blackwell School at Anvik. Kay Holbrooke said their fitness equiqment is old or donated except for some newly purchased kick balls and basketballs. They want to have a cross-country ski team. They requested funding for skis for 26 students and will get as many as they can with their $5,000 grant.
Congratulations to all the winners! New Community Grant applications will be available in January. Start planning now for healthy activities in your community.
Call Diabetes Prevention & Control:907-543-6133 or 1-800-478-3321 ext. 6133