Partners in Health
The Hershey's Track & Field Games recognizes organizations that develop tools and research to promote healthy lifestyles.
The Hershey Company has been dedicated to youth development ever since Milton Hershey opened his school for disadvantaged children back in 1909. It is deeply engrained in our corporate philosophy; it's who we are and what we stand for.
The Hershey's Track & Field Games is one extension of this philosophy. By encouraging children of all abilities to run, jump and throw in a competitive but friendly environment, we help them discover their own inner potential. Track and field events are more than just running a race or throwing a softball. Youth track and field is about making friends, learning the importance of physical health, understanding teamwork, and growing up healthy and happy.
The Hershey's Track & Field Games along with our partners look to establish the initial foundations of a physical fitness program that children can build upon as they become teenagers and adults.
USA Track & Field
USA Track & Field (USATF) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) are working together on the "Be A Champion" program. This health initiative for young people promotes fitness, fair play and the benefits of physical activity, particularly running, walking and other activities that require only a pair of athletic shoes.
Athletics Canada
Athletics Canada is the national sport governing body for track and field, including cross-country running and road running. It supports high performance athletics excellence at the world level and provides leadership in developmental athletics. Athletics Canada provides developmental tools as well as the “Run-Jump-Throw” program to teach track and field skills.
National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA)
The NWCA has developed the Optimal Performance Calculator to help student-athletes maximize performance by using scientifically-proven body composition assessment techniques. This program is currently used as an administrative clearinghouse by 35 state high school athletic associations and all collegiate governing bodies.
Ad Council
The The Coalition for Healthy Children has crafted messages to these groups based on four basic strategies that make up a healthy lifestyle: Physical Activity, Food Choices, Food Portions, and the Balance between food and activity. Additionally, the importance of adults setting the example for children was the basis for a fifth message to adults. To review the research behind these messages, please see the Documents & Research section.
