February 23, 2005

Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan Surgeon General and Joanne P. McCallie, MSU Head Coach for Women’s Basketball, are teaming up as honorary co-chairs of a statewide exercise program that promotes fitness for youth in Michigan.

A.C.E.S. (All Children Exercising Simultaneously) is a one-day youth exercise program intended to celebrate youth and highlight the importance of regular physical activity for all children. The 2005 event will occur on Wednesday, May 4 at 10 a.m.

“I’m thrilled to be involved with A.C.E.S.,” Wisdom said. “Michigan struggles as does the nation with dramatic increases in the percentage of overweight children and childhood diabetes. Physical activity is a vital component of healthy lifestyle and must be a priority for our treasured young citizens. I urge all schools in Michigan to register and participate in A.C.E.S.”

“It is a pleasure to again be part of the A.C.E.S. lineup,” said McCallie, a five-year veteran leader of this effort. “A.C.E.S. brings attention to the great benefits of physical activity. We are competing for a healthy future for our students and this event keeps us focused and prepared.”

Last year, more than 800 schools – and 321,000 students – participated in the A.C.E.S. program. They join students from every U.S. state and 50 countries in what is called the world’s largest exercise class. This year, Wisdom and McCallie are striving to have participation from every county in Michigan.

Michigan’s efforts are coordinated by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. A.C.E.S. launches both National Fitness Month and the Active Michigan Summer campaign, an effort to encourage citizens to use warm months of May through September to become or stay active.

For more information or to register your school for A.C.E.S., please visit www.michiganfitness.org.