Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho,  Miami-Dade County Public Schools students with disabilities, representatives from the Miami Dolphins and Burnie the Miami HEAT Mascot

13th Annual “I Can Do It, You Can Do It” Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards (PALA+) will honor 1,600 students with disabilities, who have participated in an innovative national initiative to increase physical activity levels.

A new perpetual award named after Dr. Margaret J. Giannini, former Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Disability will be presented to two teachers who have embraced the spirit of mentoring students with disabilities through physical activity.  Dr. Giannini, 95 years of age, will be present to receive the honor and present the award.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Felix Varela Senior High School

15255 S.W. 96th Street

Miami, Florida 33196

“I Can Do It, You Can Do It” is an initiative developed by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office on Disability. The program is a physical fitness/activity program that links mentors with students with disabilities. The mentor provides training and guidance to assist children in becoming physically active by participating in 60-minutes of exercise a day, for 5-days-a-week, at 8-week intervals.  Students with disabilities who complete the program receive the President’s Active Lifestyle Award patch and certificate. This program was designed to address the childhood obesity and Type II diabetes also found in youth with disabilities who are more prone to be inactive.  

Follow us on Twitter at @mdcps and @miamisup, and on Facebook at @Miami-Dade County Public Schools and @Alberto Carvalho.

Dr. Jayne Greenberg, District Director, Physical Education and Health Literacy, office: 305 995-1963; cell: 305 310-8230.