New York City—Today, Playworks rung the first Nasdaq Stock Market Opening Bell of 2018, kicking off the New Year with a focus on healthy living.
From January 2nd to January 5th, 2018 the 7th Annual Nasdaq “Fit Week” recognizes companies and organizations that help individuals lead healthier lifestyles. Playworks helps kids around the country lay foundations for healthy lives through safe, healthy play every day at school. By 2020, Playworks aims to reach 3.5 million students at 7,000 schools.
Bryan Joyce of the Marketing Intelligence desk at Nasdaq introduced Playworks New York/New Jersey Advisory Board Chair Laura James, saying, “Laura, Nasdaq is proud to honor you and the Playworks team for all the meaningful and impactful work you do.”
Laura James rang the January 2nd, 2018 Nasdaq opening bell surrounded by the Playworks New York staff and board. She shared,
“Playworks playgrounds are changing the American landscape for millions of American children, especially those who are returning to the playground today. We are proud to be part of an organization that works to make every child feel included and builds skills such as leadership and conflict resolution—and our programs have been proven to reduce bullying on the playground. Play has the power to bring out the best in our kids.”
Playworks believes that healthy play and healthy community work hand-in-hand to develop healthy lifestyles. A randomized control trial found that students at Playworks schools were more physically active at recess than their peers at schools without Playworks. This was especially true for female students and for African American and Hispanic students. In the same study, teachers at Playworks schools reported that their students felt safer at school and experienced less bullying compared to teacher reports at control schools.
Kids spend more time playing and less time standing on the sidelines when they know a variety of games, feel included by their peers, and can resolve conflicts on their own. By introducing classic recess games as well as new favorites and by training student leaders and adult recess monitors to create a respectful, inclusive culture at recess, Playworks helps all kids have fun and stay active. These early experiences of healthy play and healthy community lay the foundation for healthy lives.
