May 30, 2023

On Wednesday, May 17, thirty-four schools from across Suffolk County came to Lincoln Avenue to compete in the sixth annual Suffolk Zone Fit Club Competition. 

The outdoor event was created by Coach Bolger six years ago and is sponsored by the Suffolk Zone Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AHPERD).

Approximately 1,300 athletes, in fourth and fifth grade, competed for their elementary schools.

The outdoor event was created for children and is run by children. Students are trained to be referees, score-keepers, greeters and coaches. 

“It is important to offer all students opportunities to take leadership positions when they are young and to get involved in helping at community events,” Coach Bolger said. “In addition to being fun, the event challenges them physically and mentally. It is an opportunity to test their grit and perseverance in low pressure situations.”

The events in the Fit Club competition tested the students’ fitness on all five health-related physical fitness components and all six skills-related fitness components. 

By making fitness fun, exciting and challenging, students will continue to stay fit, which will lead to improved self-esteem, prevent obesity, and decrease the risk of serious illnesses later in life. A win-win!

This year’s top 10 schools were: