Former elementary physical education teacher, Ben Tench, established "First in Fitness" in 1982. The event is one of the oldest on-going physical fitness events in the country. Over 50 elementary schools and 22 middle schools will be sending teams of students to compete in a variety of fitness events including the mile run, pull-ups, one-minute jump rope, shuttle run, broad jump, 100-yard dash, a modified triathlon, and other track and field events.
Ben's idea has grown from a single event involving a handful of schools and about 100 students, to a massive county-wide spectacle involving over 70 schools with thousands of participants, spectators, event coordinators, high school PEPI students, and judges. Over 6,000 parents, students, teachers, and other guests will attend and/or participate in this event.
With our nation's growing obesity and type II diabetes trend among school-aged youth (especially minority students), Wake County Public School System's "First in Fitness" events provide an interesting contrast to this national and state concern.
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