April 18, 2024 - 71 Games Today

Fit Track Returns in 2015

December 9, 2014 - International League (IL1)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders News Release

Moosic, Pa. - The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) pride themselves on engaging with the community. The signature addition in that regard for 2014 proved to be the Fit Track program. Its inaugural year sported over 30 schools in NEPA and over 12,000 children. The team hopes that number will grow all the more in 2015 with registration for Fit Track presented by Odak now open for local schools. Registration and participation is free for the Fit Trackers and their schools. Select schools will also receive a kick-off assembly for the program.

Fit Track encourages children to develop healthy habits during their youth that will transition into adulthood. It focuses on three main healthy behaviors: being active for 60 minutes each day; making healthy food choices; and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. Each enrolled child receives a free water bottle and each child that completes the program receives a free ticket to one of four RailRiders home games with Fit Trackers honored on the field during the pre-game festivities. Below are this year's Fit Track game dates:

2015 FIT TRACK GAME DATES:

Friday, April 10 vs. Syracuse (Washington Nationals) - 7:05 p.m. (Postgame Fireworks)

Saturday, April 25 vs. Pawtucket (Boston Red Sox) - 4:05 p.m. (Giveaway Saturday)

Saturday, May 9 vs. Indianapolis (Pittsburgh Pirates) - 4:05 p.m. (Giveaway Saturday)

Friday, May 29 vs. Norfolk (Baltimore Orioles) - 7:05 p.m. (Postgame Fireworks)

"When creating the program we found that many students only took part in a physical education program once or twice a week," said RailRiders community relations director Rachel Mark. "We felt the need to create a program that rewarded kids for making healthy choices outside of school."

The program can include school fundraising opportunities as well. This year's Fit Track will be capped at 16,000 students and as of Dec. 9 a total of 23 schools with approximately 9,000 students have already registered. For more information or to register, please e-mail rmark@swbrailriders.com, download a registration form at swbrailriders.com or visit the RailRiders offices at: PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd., Moosic, PA 18507.

There are 4 stops along the Fit Track. Each physical education instructor will be supplied with a copy of the Fit Track poster that details each Fit Stop. The instructor can make the program a four, eight or 12-week program, depending on what works better for that particular school. The steps are listed below in detail:

1) All Aboard! Students begin the Fit Track program by taking the Fit Pledge. Students receive an overview of the program by their instructor or RailRiders staff. After the overview and a brief explanation of why each Fit Track stop is important, they will take the Fit Pledge:

"I pledge to do my very best to make healthy eating choices, be active at least 60 minutes a day, and get at least 8 hours of sleep a night! I know that making these good choices will make me stronger, smarter, and healthier."

2) Full Steam Ahead! Concentrates on the importance of staying active outside of school.

"I was active at least 60 minutes a day since taking the Fit Pledge."

3) Refuel! Focuses on making healthy food choices.

"I made choices of fruits and vegetables as snacks and chose to drink water or milk instead of soda."

4) Pulling Into the Station... Focuses on getting at least eight hours of sleep per night.

"Since I took the Fit Track Pledge, I have tried to get at least eight hours of sleep per night to give my body enough rest."

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

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