Canopy CARES School Fitness Trail Funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation.
Students and staff of Canopy Children’s Solutions (Canopy) now have one more way to stay active and adopt a healthier lifestyle thanks to the opening of a new fitness trail located on Canopy’s Jackson CARES School Campus.
The ¼ mile fitness trail opened on the Jean B. Austin Bagley Campus in July and is available to Canopy staff and students located on the school campuses. Canopy staff and board, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi’s Team Blue employee volunteers, community leaders, and Canopy students were on hand for the ribbon cutting.
Helping Students and Staff Lead Healthy and Active Lifestyles
During the ceremony, participants heard from John Damon, Canopy’s CEO and Sheila Grogan, Executive Director of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. Canopy CARES Senior Resident, Advisor Inez Rucker, also spoke on the behalf of a Canopy CARES student who has lost 20 pounds as a result of using the fitness trail regularly while adopting a healthy lifestyle. Following the ceremony, Team Blue volunteers played fitness games with the students.
The Link Between Mental and Physical Fitness
“We are deeply grateful to the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation for their vision for a healthier Mississippi and generosity in helping our dream for a fitness trail come true. The walking trail on our 21-acre campus on Woodrow Wilson and West Street is more than a fitness trail. Research has demonstrated the link between our physical and emotional health. The beautiful walking trail provides a creative means to address the physical and mental health needs for some of our state’s most at-risk children and the mission-driven staff serving them,” said John Damon, CEO of Canopy. “We have already witnessed demonstrable outcomes for our children and staff in a short period of time. Again, we are thankful to Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation for their partnership to come alongside our efforts to better serve our children, families, and staff.”
An Investment in the Future of Canopy
“We are delighted at the opportunity to support Canopy’s staff and residents in their efforts to live healthier lives,” said Sheila Grogan, Executive Director of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. “This fitness trail will enhance the quality of life for Canopy and those it serves for years to come.”