Packers Kenny Clark helps students ride donated bikes at Howe Elementary Community School
Howe Elementary Community School students celebrated Tuesday, December 19, after Green Bay Packers player Kenny Clark stopped by to kick off a new physical education program.
Thanks to the national nonprofit organization All Kids Bike, Howe Elementary received a fleet of 24 student bikes and a teacher training bike to launch the All Kids Bike Learn-To-Ride Kindergarten PE Program. The program also provided pedal conversion kits, helmets, storage racks and teacher training and certification.
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark helped unveil the bikes and spent time riding around the gym with students.
“We’re gonna make sure that when you guys ride these bikes you’re safe and you have a good time,” Clark said to students Tuesday.
“Being a professional athlete, I know the value in physical activity and that learning to ride a bike is important for every child,” Clark said. “I hope the kids at Howe Elementary enjoy the All Kids Bike program for many years.”
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation said early bike riding can make an impact on a student’s education.
“The ability to ride a bike not only develops physical and mental well-being, instilling confidence and fostering better classroom focus, but it also empowers children with a positive foundation for a lifelong skill,” Weyer said.
Approximately 45 kindergartners will be affected by the program this year alone. With a lifespan of 7-10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 450 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“In our school we have a number of students that don’t have access to bikes,” Amy Kallioinen, Principal at Howe Elementary said. “Having this program at school provides equity so that all students have access to learning how to ride a bike. This can help students build positive and healthy outdoor skills.”
Thank you to Kenny Clark and All Kids Bike for providing this opportunity for students at Howe Elementary Community School for years to come.