Under the direction of coach Tammy Cooper, students at Cordova Park Elementary have the opportunity to embrace a healthy lifestyle by participating in the jogging club. In her 14 years “at the Park,” she has seen the club grow from 30-40 members to over 200. The students meet once a week after school and jog for 30-40 minutes. The primary goal is to provide physical activity and improve cardiovascular endurance for students. Many club members participate in local 5k and one-mile races in the community. One notable race is the Subway Kids Marathon. Participants have six weeks to log 25 miles in half-mile to one-mile increments as they walk, wheel, or jog. They get to finish their last 1.2 miles and cross the finish line at the Pensacola Marathon and receive their medals.
“Without the help of the many parents, this would not be possible,” Cooper said. Parents are the primary assistants at the weekly jogging sessions. The club members are also rewarded jogging club ribbons for reaching certain milestones. At the end of the school year, the top three in each grade receive trophies. Several former members of the Cordova Park Jogging Club participate in varsity track or cross country in high school.
The Emerald Coast offers a multitude of events to help kids pursue healthy lifestyles, learn discipline, and set goals.
Keep Them Moving, Coach Cooper!
Another Day in the Park
