CHARLOTTE, NC, – Subway national spokesperson Jared Fogle has recruited some help in his fight against childhood obesity, thanks to a new program sponsored by local Subway restaurants. Local leaders are heading back to the classroom in an effort to inspire students to be healthy and active, every day.
Beginning National Eating Healthy Day on Nov. 6 and continuing until Thanksgiving, over 14,000 students in Charlotte and surrounding area classrooms will begin tracking their healthy eating and physical activity choices. Over 50,000 students in the Carolinas region are participating in the challenge.
Local leaders, who will join the students in the Subway Fit for Life 15 Day Challenge and provide some motivation along the way as “Fit Buddies,” are:
- Head Football Coach Randall Gusler and Athletic Director Bobby Morrison of Statesville High School at American Renaissance Charter School in Statesville;
- Coach Mallory Hodge of Salisbury High School at C.T. Overton Elementary School in Salisbury;
- Coach Michael Demster of West Stanly High School at Stanfield Elementary School in Stanfield;
- TopCat Amanda of the Carolina Panthers at University Meadows Elementary School in Charlotte;
- Sports Anchor Leah Rubertino of WBTV at Community Charter School in Charlotte;
- YMCA of Greater Charlotte (Sally’s YMCA Staff) at St. James Elementary School in Denver; and
- Rising Co-Anchor Kristine Zell of WCCB Charlotte at Idlewild Elementary School in Charlotte.
“Fortunately my parents were great role models and encouraged me to be active in sports in school,” said WBTV’s Leah Rubertino. “Encouraging kids to make healthy choices early in life will help them grow up to be happy, healthy and confident adults.”
According to the American Heart Association, 68 percent of adults and 33 percent of children ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese.
It was 15 years ago that Fogle lost close to 245 pounds. In 1998, he started appearing in national commercials for Subway restaurants and has since become known as “The Subway Guy.” He has inspired millions and most important he has kept the weight off. On Nov. 15, he will be visiting Charlotte area schools to encourage students taking the challenge.
The community is invited to take the Subway Fit for Life 15 Day Challenge and tracking forms are available online at www.Fitfor15.net.
