Len Saunders is a retired physical education teacher who is currently a childhood health, fitness, and wellness advocate.[1] He is known for creating Project ACES, a day in which children around the world exercise simultaneously on the first Wednesday of May. He created a new program called PACES Day, which motivates parents and children to exercise together over the weekends.[2] In 2009, Len created another program called Exercise US (United States), which motivated children in the United States to exercise for 10 continuous hours, starting on the east coast of the US, ending 10 hours later on the west coast.[3] Saunders is also the author of 9 books, all on the topic of children's health and fitness. His most recent book came out in August 2022 called Coach Lenny's School Tips. After 40 years in education, Saunders retired as a P.E. teacher from the Valley View Elementary School in Montville, New Jersey.[4] Valley View was the first school to participate in Project ACES Day and continues to participate every year. He served as a consultant to The President's Council On Physical Fitness & Sports. Most recently, he became an American Heart Association expert spokesperson on the issue of childhood obesity and childhood fitness.[5]
Authored articles and books
editLen Saunders is a regular contributor to online publications, including U.S. News & World Report, Fox News, PBS Parents and Yahoo Shine Healthy Living.[6][7][8][9]
References
edit- ^ Michael Winerip (8 March 1988). "Our Towns Getting In Shape for Russian Test in Body Building". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ Lisa Kintish (7 October 2009). "Wave of exercise ripples across U.S." Neighbor News (Montiville Edition) North Jersey. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ Zach Miners (30 September 2009). "Schools Nationwide To Exercise Continuously For 10 Hours". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ Ian O'Connor (8 January 1989). "Video Olympics Test Fitness of The Young". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ Newark Star Ledger (6 May 2009). "Children Around World Exercise". NJ.com The Associated Press. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ "Understanding Childhood Obesity". U.S. News & World Report. 23 October 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ "Healthy Back To School Snacks For Kids". Fox News. 9 October 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ "Encouraging Family Fitness & Healthy Habits". PBS News. 15 October 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ^ "Dieting Vs Making Changes". Yahoo Shine Healthy Living. 2 October 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2016.