SYRACUSE, N.Y., May 29, 2026 — With only 1 in 4 children in the U.S. getting the recommended amount of daily physical activity, H.W. Smith Pre-K - 8 School, Bridgeport Elementary School and St. Joseph’s Health are working to create a healthier future. Both schools recently celebrated the Kids Heart Challenge™ with some special guests. The school-based Kids Heart Challenge program, led by the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, equips students with the tools and confidence to care for their physical and emotional well-being.
The Kids Heart Challenge is rooted in proven science which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood. In addition to improved physical health, the benefits of physical activity for children include better grades, school attendance and classroom behavior. Physical activity can also help kids feel better, improve mental health, build self-esteem and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression.
As part of the recent celebrations, both schools received new physical education and recess equipment through the Recess Reboot initiative, sponsored by St. Joseph’s Health. The Recess Reboot program helps schools enhance physical activity opportunities by providing new PE and recess equipment.
“We are proud to sponsor the Heart Association’s Recess Reboot initiative to support student wellness,” said Eric Stone, Director, Community Health & Well-Being at St. Joseph’s Health. “This program represents a proactive investment in heart health, encouraging physical activity and fostering lifelong healthy habits. We are confident it will have a meaningful impact on students, their families and the broader community.”
“Supporting youth initiatives is an essential part of building stronger communities,” said Heather Evans, executive director of the American Heart Association in Central New York. “Through this collaboration, St. Joseph’s Health is helping ensure that children have the resources they need to stay active, learn about heart health and develop habits that will benefit them for years to come.”
“The Kids Heart Challenge is an opportunity to empower students with the knowledge and tools to live heart-healthy lives,” said Laurie Schmidt, school engagement director with the American Heart Association. “With the Recess Reboot, these students are learning about heart health and gaining access to equipment that will help them stay active and engaged throughout the school day.”
For nearly 50 years, the American Heart Association has been working with educators in elementary, middle and high schools across the nation to help educate students about healthy living. The Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ are service learning-based fundraising programs that give students the opportunity to feel good, while doing good. To bring one of these programs to your campus, visit heart.org/getstarted.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Kristy Smorol, communications director: Kristy.Smorol@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
