Businesses and community organizations can encourage Ohio students by partnering with local schools and rewarding progress throughout the Te





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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
September 29, 2026




*MEDIA CONTACT:*
Julia Poling: 614-644-0957






*Tressel Calls on Ohio Businesses to
Champion Healthy Habits for Students*

"Businesses and community organizations can encourage Ohio students by partnering with local schools and rewarding progress throughout the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge "

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—In every corner of Ohio, students are setting goals, building healthy habits, and discovering what they can accomplish. Now, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel is calling on Ohio’s business community to join the team and support students across the state. 

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel encourages businesses and community organizations across the state to support the more than 655,000 students participating in the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge by connecting with local schools and providing incentives that recognize effort, celebrate progress, and motivate students to reach their full potential.

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"Ohio businesses can make a meaningful difference in their local schools by joining the team and giving students one more reason to keep working toward their goals," said Lt. Governor Tressel. "When a community rallies arounds its young people, it sends a powerful message that their health, growth, and future matter."

*Businesses can find the list of participating schools in their area at TeamTressel.Ohio.gov [ [link removed] ] and should contact them directly to explore how best to support their students.* Schools are encouraged to identify incentives that align with their policies and meet the needs of their students.

Businesses of every size can play a role, and no contribution is too small to make a difference. A simple reward can become a powerful reminder that hard work matters, progress deserves to be celebrated, and an entire community is invested in helping its young people succeed.

Examples of support include:


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Coupons or gift cards for healthy meals, activities, or local experiences.


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Tickets or admission to sporting events, museums, parks, and other attractions.


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Fitness-related items such as water bottles, jump ropes, exercise bands, or sports equipment.


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Recognition for students who achieve bronze, silver, or gold medals.


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Rewards for classrooms or schools that reach participation milestones.


Businesses interested in making a broader investment in the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge can also support students across a region or throughout Ohio. To explore regional or statewide partnership opportunities, contact [email protected] <[email protected]>. 

students doing jumping jacks at a ttfc assembly

Students at Crooksville Elementary doing jumping jacks during a Team Tressel Fitness Challenge assembly.

Whether supporting one classroom, an entire school, or schools across the state, every business has an opportunity to become part of the statewide team helping Ohio’s next generation grow stronger in body, mind, and character.

Nearly 2,200 schools across all 88 Ohio counties are participating in the fall 2026 Challenge, which runs through December 4. The program has grown from 183,000 students during its first round in 2025 to more than 655,000 students this fall.

Businesses and community organizations can learn more about the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge and find participating schools at *TeamTressel.Ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]*.

*"What They're Saying:"*

"The habits Ohio students build today – including showing up, setting goals, and pushing through when it's hard - are the same ones employers look for tomorrow. The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge is building more than healthy kids, it's building Ohio's future workforce. The Ohio Chamber proudly supports Team Tressel, and we encourage employers of every size, and our partners at local chambers across the state, to find a school in their community and get in the game."
*Steve Stivers, President and CEO, Ohio Chamber of Commerce*

"Lt. Gov. Tressel has always understood that champions are built long before anyone sees the results. They’re built through discipline, consistency and people who believe in them. Over 655,000 Ohio students are taking on that challenge this fall, and Ohio’s business community has a chance to show them we’re on their team. If Ohio’s students are willing to put in the work, the rest of us ought to be willing to stand behind them."
*Ryan Augsburger, President, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA)*

"Investing in the next generation is one of the most important things we can do for the future of Ohio. Farm families understand the value of setting goals, building good habits and putting in the work to achieve them. We're proud to support Lt. Gov. Tressel and the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge as it helps students build healthy habits and skills they can carry with them for life." 
*Adam Sharp, Executive Vice President, Ohio Farm Bureau*

"Businesses have a stake in Ohio's next generation. The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge gives companies a simple, tangible way to invest in that future — whether it's a gift card for a student who hits a goal, equipment for a school that needs it, or helping a school host a field day. Hundreds of thousands of kids across Ohio are building habits they'll carry for life through this challenge, and the business community is proud to support them."
*Patrick Tiberi, President and CEO, Ohio Business Roundtable*

"Ohio’s business community can make a difference by supporting and encouraging the next generation. When businesses share their expertise, create opportunities, and inspire young Ohioans to reach their full potential, they help build a stronger workforce and a brighter future for our state.  We support Lt. Governor Jim Tressel’s Team Tressel initiative, which encourages Ohio kids to build healthy habits through fitness, nutrition, sleep, and an attitude of gratitude."*
*Gordon M. Gough, President and CEO, The Ohio Council of Retail Merchants**

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*FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE CHALLENGE*

Website: TeamTressel.Ohio.gov [ [link removed] ]


YouTube: @TeamTresselChallenge [ [link removed] ]

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This email was sent to [email protected] using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: Governor DeWine Communications · Riffe Center, 30th Floor, 77 South High Street · Columbus, OH 43215-6117 Granicus Communications logo [ [link removed] ]

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