It looks like the San Diego Chargers were winners off the field this week too, what with the way kicker Josh Lambo, defensive tackle Sean Lissemore and linebacker Manti Te’o fired up students at Harborside Elementary during a fitness-themed assembly. Under sunny skies and flanked by cheerleaders and community leaders, the Chargers presented a ceremonial $10,000 check to Board President Glendora M. Tremper, Board Member Eduardo Reyes, Ed.D., and Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. The Chargers awarded the District a 
“Hometown Grant,” in partnership with Fuel Up to Play 60, the NFL and the California Milk Advisory Board. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council and NFL, in collaboration with the USDA. Youth are encouraged to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
The Harborside assembly took place on Tuesday, October 6—the first day of classes after Fall Break. Over a four-year period, Harborside made the greatest improvement in moving students to a healthier weight, as measured by the District’s Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments.
Each of the 32 NFL Clubs provide a Hometown Grant in their respective communities in the area of youth health and wellness. The Chargers selected CVESD because the team was made aware of the District’s “Growing Healthy Children” initiative, which has dramatically reduced the numbers of students who are obese or in an unhealthy weight. The NFL grant will help fund transportation for students at District schools on the west side of Chula Vista to attend the “Exercise the Dream” program at the Olympic Training Center, located on the east side of Chula Vista.
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