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November 7, 2012 – Children play during recess at Bridges Academy in Oakland, California. At the elementary school, Playworks coaches and junior coaches play organized games with students to teach them rules of playing games and social skills.

Playworks is a national nonprofit organization that transforms schools by providing play and physical activity at recess and throughout the school day. Through its on-site direct service and trainer-led professional development workshops, Playworks restores valuable teaching time, reduces bullying, increases physical activity and improves the school and learning environment.

Playworks’ mission is to improve the health and well-baeing of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

Jill Vialet, the CEO and founder of Playworks, is a recipient of the 2013 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award.