Four Desert Schools Compete For Regional Fitness Award

Four Coachella Valley schools made the final cut in the competition to prove who is the “fittest school of all” in the 2010 Governor’s Challenge Competition.

The program, run by Governor Schwarzenegger’s office, is designed to promote increased physical activity and better nutrition among California’s youth, according to their website.

Within the program, the Coachella Valley falls into the Desert Sierra Region. The four local schools making the finals include:

Agua Caliente Elementary, Cathedral CityJames Workman Middle School, Cathedral CityNellie N. Coffman Middle School, Cathedral CityPalm View Elementary School, Coachella

They face nine other schools in the region for $100,000 in prizes, which includes new fitness centers. Those schools are located nearby in San Bernardino, Colton, Riverside, and other areas. The winners will be announced in September.

The Governor’s Challenge requires students be active 30-to-60 minutes a day, at least three days a week for a month.