Become a STAR in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity

Why is STARS Important?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and the American Medical Association, the prevalence of overweight among children aged 6-11 has more than doubled in the past 20 years, increasing from 7% in 1980 to 18.8% in 2004. Children and adolescents who are overweight are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults. Overweight and obesity, influenced by physical inactivity and poor diet, are significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis, and poor health status. By recognizing quality physical education and exemplary physical education programs,the STARS recognition program is an essential tool in the fight against inactivity and obesity. 

How Do Schools Get Involved and Qualify?

STARS awards criteria are based on essential elements for a quality physical education program, such as curriculum, instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation, support resources (e.g., facilities, equipment, class time, and teacher qualifications), and communications. The application process requires the school's physical educators to assess their entire physical education program according to the STARS criteria established by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. A program will be honored for the level it attains when it meets all of the criteria at that specific level. A school may continually strive for on-going improvement and apply for higher levels of recognition for their physical education program at any time.

How Can my Company Benefit from Supporting STARS?

Becoming a STARS sponsor is an excellent way for your company to be positioned as an advocate for battling childhood obesity by supporting excellence in physical education. Your company will be recognized by educators, parents, students, and the public as a partner in improving the physical health and well being of children, and will receive national visibility via:

• press releases to state, local, and national media about the STARS program and the award recipients;
• signage at the AAHPERD national convention; attended by close to 6,500 individuals with special recognition at an awards presentation
• the NASPE Web site;
• official award letters sent to school administrations and school and government officials; and 
• the brochure educating schools about the program; distributed to 50,000 physical education professionals.

With editorial approval by NASPE, your company can also promote itself as a supporter of NASPE and the STARS program in your own marketing and communications materials.

For more information on becoming a STARS sponsor, contact stars@aahperd.org

STARS SPONSOR

FlagHouse is a premier global supplier of resources for physical activity, recreation, education and special needs. With operations in the United States and Canada, its mission is to enhance the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities through more than 20,000 innovative and quality products. Since the inception of STARS, FlagHouse has been the Official Physical Education Equipment Sponsor of the program in an effort to support and recognize schools that offer outstanding, model PE programs.