A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Project Fit America equipment and playground at Pearl River Upper Elementary took place Wednesday, christening the recently acquired training equipment.

During the ceremony, guest speakers addressed PRCUE students about why the Project Fit America program is important.

“This equipment is proof that Mississippi is headed in the right direction,” State Representative Stacey Wilkes said during the ribbon cutting.

Along with the outdoor playground equipment, the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation’s Project Fit America program also provides indoor equipment, training for teachers, curriculum and lesson plans.

The indoor equipment includes 1,000 “cardio cups,” which are used for teamwork, challenge and cooperative cardio activities, states a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation release. Other equipment includes sport hoops, medicine balls and stability balls.

“The health and wellness of our students is vital to the future of Mississippi,” Sheila Grogran, executive director of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, said. “We are confident Pearl River Central Upper Elementary students will benefit from this program and from making health and fitness a regular part of their lives.”

Since 2005, the Foundation has awarded grant funding to schools across the state in an effort to support healthy lifestyles.

“We are excited to see a change being made to help these students live healthy lives. I commend the Pearl River County School District for making this happen,” Wilkes said.