Clanton Elementary School is among 28 schools in Alabama that will receive grant funding through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Be Healthy School Grant Program to combat childhood obesity.

CES was awarded a $10,000 grant in August to purchase an outdoor climbing wall and push-up bars for the playground.

“We’re just excited to receive such a large grant,” Physical Education teacher Sheila Speaks said. “We’re wanting to do everything we can to increase our physical fitness scores, and we just feel like the climbing wall and push-up bars will help in that area. We’re excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Blue Cross and Blue Shield in helping prevent childhood obesity.”

Through the Be Healthy School Grant Program, Blue Cross will award $249,513 in grants up to $10,000 to the 28 selected schools across the state this year that enroll students in grades K–sixth, according to a press release.

The grants are for the implementation of school-based health and wellness programs emphasizing increased exercise, nutrition education and parental involvement during the school year.

In April 2015, students successfully completing their school’s program will be presented Be Healthy awards by Blue Cross.

The program has continued because of its success with $264,000 granted to 30 schools and more than 12,700 students in Alabama since 2012.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of our school grant program these past two years,” Jeff Adams, Community Relations Manager with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, said in the release. “The interest and enthusiasm from students and faculty statewide remains very strong and shows that this is a solid investment in the long-term health of Alabama’s children.”

Adams presented Clanton Elementary School’s grant to Speaks and other school employees Aug. 26.

Although she was unsure when the push-up bars would be ordered and installed, Speaks said the climbing wall should be in place by October.

The wall is made by Gopher and will measure 8-by-12 feet.

“We’re just excited to get a new piece of equipment for the kids,” Speaks said. “It’s a clear, see-through wall, and kids will be able to climb on both sides of it. For safety, we can see the kids a whole lot better.”