Kids Heart Challenge Marks American Heart Association’s 40th Year Educating Kids About Heart Health

(UNDATED) – Students at more than 800 Indiana schools will participate in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge in February as the association marks its 40th year offering educational programming in schools.


The Kids Heart Challenge focuses on whole-body wellness, offering activities like jump rope, basketball skills, dance, and an obstacle course, while also supporting social and emotional learning.
The program also encourages students to develop heart-healthy habits and to give back to their community.
“I was born with a congenital heart defect, so I love sharing my story with other kids to help them learn how to keep their hearts healthy,” said 10-year-old Cassidy Rucker of Franklin, Ind., one of 40 national ambassadors for the program. “We love the fun games, and we go home and tell our parents about what we’ve learned to be healthier. We also get to raise money that helps fund more heart research and education and that helps our school.”
The Kids Heart Challenge provides enhanced give-backs and incentive opportunities to participating schools as well as curriculum for teachers supporting whole-child centered learning.
Funds raised by the Kids Heart Challenge support advocacy initiatives to keep physical education in schools ensure kids have access to healthy foods and provide resources to advocate for CPR in school laws that ensure every student knows how to save a life. Since 1949, the Association has funded $4.1 billion in research since 1949 and currently funds 2,000 scientists around the United States.
More information about Kids Heart Challengeâ„¢ is available online at heart.org/kidsheartchallenge.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

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