The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is pleased to award $49,000 to Idaho public schools on behalf of the 62 legislators and constitutional officers who successfully completed the Steps for Schools walking challenge. The Foundation hosted a ceremony at the Idaho State Capitol on Tuesday to celebrate the winners.

“Walking is one of the best things people can do for their health,” Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Executive Director Courtney Frost said. “We appreciate these elected officials setting a great example by walking in the Steps for Schools challenge and helping promote the importance of physical activity while supporting Idaho public schools.”

Steps for Schools took place in February, and participants had two goals to shoot for:

• Walk an average of 5,000 steps a day during February to earn $500 for the school or district
• Walk an average of 10,000 steps a day during February to earn $1,000 for the school or district

Each participant selected a public school or district to receive funds. Since the program began in 2015, the Foundation has awarded more than $400,000 to Idaho schools on behalf of participating legislators. Steps for Schools motivates participants to be active for their own health and the school of their choice. The program has four goals:

• Remind lawmakers to think about children’s health issues
• Highlight our lawmakers as positive role models for children
• Promote the importance of physical activity
• Support public schools with funding for equipment or programs that encourage kids to be active.