1. PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Sinu Patel (703) 476-3485;spatel@shapeamerica.org
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U-FIT Program Wins
Outstanding Adapted PE/PA Program Award
RESTON, VA, April 20, 2016 — The U-FIT Program, a physical activity programfor children with
disabilitiesprovided through the Department of Exercise & Sport Science at the University of Utah,
was honored with the Outstanding Adapted Physical Education/Physical Activity ProgramAward by
SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators.
The award, which recognizes programs that focus on improving the physical activity of individuals
with disabilities through education, sport and community activities, was presented at the Claudine
Sherrill Adapted PE & PA Awards Breakfast duringthe SHAPEAmerica National Convention & Expo
in Minneapolis.
U-FIT is a family-centered programdesignedto build friendships, increaseself-esteem, and improve
motor skillsand levels of physical fitnesswhile ultimately having fun in a nurturingenvironment. The
key to the success of theU-FITProgramisthrough family involvement of thosewho participate. They
encourageinclusion by inviting siblingsto come participate, andalso offer parentfitnessclasses and a
parent education programwhiletheirchildren areparticipating.
“Whenever thereis a childwitha disability in a family, it impactsevery family member in a variety of
ways,” says Dr. Hester Henderson, U-FIT ProgramDirector. “U-FIT provides thechildwith the disability
and their siblings theopportunity to come spend time witha university student for two hoursa week
doing activitiessuch as swimming, dance, art, and games andactivities inthe gym. Parentsare also
provided with a fitness programso thatthey can be physically active, or they can just take the time to
relax. Thattwo-hour respitemeans the world tothem.”
The programstartedwith 15children in February, 2000and hasgrown to includemore than 140
children fromages3 to22. U-FIT began asan activity programin thegymnasiumand has expanded to
include an aquaticsprogram, anart program, and a dance program.

2. About SHAPE America
SHAPE America –Society of Healthand Physical Educators isthe nation’slargest membership
organizationof health and physical education professionals. Since its founding in 1885, the
organizationhas definedexcellence in physical education, andour National Standards for K-12
Physical Educationserveas thefoundation for well-designedphysical education programs
across the country. Weprovide programs, resources and advocacy to support health and
physical educators at every level, frompreschool to university graduate programs.
SHAPE America has 50 state affiliates and is a foundingpartnerof national initiatives such as
the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, Let’s Move! ActiveSchools andthe Jump Rope For
Heart/Hoops For Heart programs. “50 Million Strongby 2029” is our commitment to empower
all children to lead healthy and active livesthrough health and physical education programs.
For more information, visit http://www.shapeamerica.org.
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