| STATE POLICE CHALLENGE STUDENT扴 METTLE
Troopers Test Middle School Students� Physical Fitness
Somerset , New Jersey – New
Jersey State Troopers ran a middle school gym class through
a battery of physical tests today as a part of a pilot program
at the Sampson G. Smith School. Students grunted through
push-ups, sit-ups, broad jumps and other exercises as a part
of a new State Police program called Top Physical Challenge.
Today’s event was taped to create a video that will
promote the program to schools throughout the state for the
2006-2007 school year. Along with a healthy dose of encouragement,
the students were rewarded for their participation with special
patches and certificates.
The Top Physical Challenge program emphasizes the importance
of a lifetime pursuit of physical fitness, while also introducing
students to the New Jersey State Police and the other youth
oriented programs they offer. The Recruiting Unit is spearheading
the outreach in hopes that the positive interaction at this
early age will guide physically fit applicants to seek careers
as troopers.
“The benefits of lifetime physical fitness are self-evident,” said
Lt. Mark Muse, the program’s creator. “For one,
building a healthy body is strongly linked to having a healthy
mind. Also, the goal setting and discipline needed to develop
fitness will serve these children well in contrast to the
web-surfing, remote control dominated lifestyle that many
of them live,” added Muse.
Upon completion of the Top Physical Challenge for the program’s
first full school year, all results will be calculated and
scored. Participating schools will be compared with each
other on a state level, and the one with the highest average
score will be crowned as the “fittest school” in
the state and receive a special State Police award.
This program will introduce schools and students to other
State Police programs including the Future Troopers, Trooper
Youth Week and the Youth Leadership Safety Patrol. More information
about any of these programs can be learned by contacting
the New Jersey State Police Recruiting Unit at or
calling (609) 882-2000 ext. 6400.
# # # |
