On Monday, March 30th, General Mills presented Kicks For Kids with a $10,000 check in support of KFK's A.S.A.P. (Athletic Strength And Power) Program, as well as KFK's proposed fitness challenge that will take place at seven middle schools across the Tri-state this fall. This is the second year General Mills choose KFK as one of the grant recipients through its 'Champions for Healthy Kids' initiative.

The 'Champions for Healthy Kids' initiative encourages healthy eating choices and active lifestyles in kids and teenagers across the country. "We are very pleased to partner with Kicks For Kids again," said Christian Quie of General Mills. The grant will support the charity's A.S.A.P. program (currently offered on site); it will now be provided off-site to local schools as well. The second, and newer component of the grant will support a Tri-state fitness challenge among seven middle schools who face socio-economical challenges. "What a great idea," Christian said, "General Mills is a brand of champions and competition drives excellence. This competition will help instill this component among the teenagers and encourage them to have fitness throughout their lives."

Thirty students from Bellevue High School's track team are currently being trained in their gym by the creator and founder of the A.S.A.P. program, Dr. Ted Lambrinides. The program is designed to empower teenagers through nutrition education, physical fitness, life skills and substance abuse prevention. This fall Dr. Lambrinides will provide school-wide presentations, which will include elements of the A.S.A.P. program as well as offer a workout teenagers can do anywhere, three times per week for 20 minutes. The challenge will culminate with a presentation ceremony that will include guest speakers and exciting entertainment, and also acknowledge the school and individual students that demonstrate the most commitment, energy and improvement.

Kicks For Kids thanks General Mills for its incredible support! For more information on Dr. Lambrinides and the A.S.A.P. program, go to www.athleticstrengthandpower.com