Vermont Gov. Urges Kids to Stretch Their Limits

Montpelier, Vt — Arnold Schwarzenegger is not the only governor supporting children's fitness these days. Vermont Gov. James Douglas urged children and their parents in his state to stay fit through the winter with the “Stretch Your Limits” Fit and Healthy Kids Winter Challenge.

The program, which ran through March 15, is part of Vermont's Fit and Healthy Kids initiative, which addresses issues of childhood obesity, nutrition and physical activity. The initiative is coordinated by the Vermont Department of Health.

Vermont kids were encouraged to do such activities as sledding, ice skating, cross country skiing, building a snowman and indoor rock climbing. They could track their participation on a sheet that they could download from the challenge's Web site, www.vermontfitness.org/activities.html. In addition to fitness activities, children were encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables and turn off their TV or computer.

All participants who turned in their tracking sheets by March 15 will receive an award and a chance to meet Gov. Douglas.