Knik Charter becomes first of 3 Alaska schools to receive donated fitness center

WASILLA, Alaska (KTUU) – Gov. Mike Dunleavy — alongside fitness guru Jake Steinfeld — cut the ribbon Monday morning on a new fitness center at Knik Charter School.

The school was one of three Alaska schools — and the only Matanuska-Susitna Borough school — chosen to receive the donated workout equipment valued at $100,000.

Mears Middle School and Romig Middle School in Anchorage were the other two chosen for the award by the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils.

The foundation’s mission is to promote healthy living among America’s children through physical activity and exercise through its DON’T QUIT! Campaign, an initiative to bring fitness centers to schools in all 50 states. According to Steinfeld, Alaska is the 47th state to receive the donated gyms.

Knik Charter Principal Tyler Gilligan said the donation is a blessing to the young school that is currently in its third year of operation.

“We want all of our students, K-12, receiving physical education and getting that fitness built into their lives,” Gilligan said. “Because if they get that built into their life now, that can carry them throughout their entire life.”

Knik Charter infuses its curriculum with Alaska Native and American Indian culture, and partners with Knik Tribe’s STEAM Academy to offer courses in computer programming, construction, drones, and subsistence.

The charter school did not have a dedicated gym before the new equipment was installed in one of its on-campus buildings and was teaching students P.E. through outdoor walks and resistance training.

Gilligan said the new center now opens circuit training opportunities for students grades 6 through 12.

Funding for each center comes through public and private partnerships with big-name companies such as Coca-Cola, Carelon Foundation, Wheels Up and Nike.

Steinfeld said he reached out to Dunleavy to put out a joint press release challenging Alaska Schools to apply to receive the three new fitness centers and over 36 schools applied.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dunleavy commended Gilligan for identifying the opportunity for the school and going for it.

Steinfeld started the DON’T QUIT! initiative 13 years ago, and will have successfully completed the challenge to have fitness centers in all 50 states in the coming months.

Hawaii, Nevada, and New York will be the last states awarded.

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