Oakwood Elementary School in Des Moines, Iowa, is taking childhood obesity seriously. Concerned about its rapidly widening student population, the school revamped recess last year and made playtime less about chit chat and more about burning calories. When that didn’t work, the school took it up a notch. “We looked at the gym teachers available in town, also the personal trainers, and none had the skills or qualifications we needed,” said Oakwood principal Chuck Stallone. “So, we brought in a guy from overseas.” Well, two guys, actually: Liam McDonough of the County Sligo Rugby Club and Thai kick-boxer Pravat Bot. The international athletes worked together to build a recess/exercise period that combines intensive training methods—such as Muay Thai pain toleration—with children’s outdoor activities. Oakwood teachers hail the new regimen, from which their formerly rambunctious pupils emerge in a state of catatonic calm, but the kids tell a different story. Eight-year-old Shelby Hanson was visibly shaken after a session of Extreme Four Square last Tuesday; her classmate, Philip Dorfer, was in tears. “Mr. Bot threw a ball at my ear!” Dorfer sobbed. “Then he kicked my leg, called me ‘Lardbutt,’ and told me my father was ashamed of me!” Mr. Bot refused to comment, and threatened to eat anyone who questioned his training methods. Parents, however, report that their kids are getting to bed earlier.
“Oakwood students take one for the team,” by Joseph Whimpersoft, Des Moines Intruder, March 29, 2006
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Iowa