Troy Elementary School received a $10,000 grant Thursday to fund a small walking and jogging lane and ten outdoor fitness stations for its physical education program.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama awarded TES the grant, naming the school one of 26 ‘Be Healthy Schools’ in the state.

Drs. Candice Howard-Shaughnessy and Brandon Sluder of the Troy University’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion along with Teresa Sims and Forrest Lee of TES secured the grant.

“Since 2012, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama has partnered with over 114 schools in the state to help prevent childhood obesity,” said Jeff Adams, community relations manager. “Today, we are here at Troy Elementary to present them with a check in the amount of $10,000 to help them in their efforts.”

This will allow the P.E. teachers t utilize more area,” Shaughnessy said. “There’s a large vacant area that will be able to now be utilized with larger classes and will also be available for use before and after school.”

The lane will include fitness stations such as pull-up bars for the children to build core strength and work on other areas of physical conditioning.

“We’re by all means thankful for another feature in our program,” said Lee. “This will increase and enhance our fitness levels.”

The grants help to fund the implementation of school-based health and wellness programs that emphasize increased exercise, nutrition education and parental involvement in schools. Since 2012, Blue Cross has awarded more than $1 million in 114 Be Healthy School grants statewide, benefitting more than 57,500 students.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has insured Alabamians for more than 80 years, offering coverage plans to corporations, individuals and the senior market. The company dedicates time and resources through its foundation, its annual participation in United Way drives statewide, the National Walk @ Lunch and Alabama Walk @ School days and its annual Day of Caring.