NY Giants Help Bring New Fitness Center To Newark School

NEWARK, NJ — A new fitness center at John F. Kennedy School in Newark is the result of a partnership between the local school board and the New York Giants – and it was inspired by a former student who nailed down a prestigious award.

The Newark Board of Education recently unveiled the “JFK Heart of a Giant Outdoor Fitness Center,” a state-of-the-art fitness facility located on school grounds.

NY Giants players Dante Miller, Timmy Horne, Isaiah Hodgins and John Michael Schmitz were on hand for the unveiling ceremony, lending some star power to the occasion.

According to a news release from the board, the fitness area is designed to cater to a wide range of fitness levels and abilities. It offers a complete workout using eight exercise stations with fifteen different exercises, all adaptable to individual needs. Several stations are also designed for handicap accessibility, ensuring everyone can participate at their own pace.

The board offered some background about how the new center came together:

“The inspiration for the fitness center dates back to 2019 when former JFK student Duane Coleman, who played football for Weequahic High School, received the prestigious Heart of a Giant Award, accompanied by a $10,000 equipment grant for the Weequahic’s football program. Principal Jill Summers-Phillips seized the opportunity, reached out to the Giants to see if they would extend their support to JFK, where Duane was a student. Responding with enthusiasm, the Giants pledged their backing.”

“We believe in the power of active play,” said Ethan Medley, the NY Giants director of community relations and youth football.

“We are proud to be able to put some great equipment on the ground that is appropriate for the school and that everyone can use,” Medley added. “This is what community looks like and we were thrilled to be a part of the day.”