Silver Sneakers donate to the school in Syracuse

Wendy Werner
CherryRoad Media

Through the efforts of Sue Bassinger and the Silver Sneakers Class at Fitness+, the Syracuse Schools Athletic Department received $500.

The challenge was to submit a photo of a healthy activity, and if the recipient was selected, they could choose who received the money. Bassinger submitted a photo of the Silver Sneakers class, which meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at Fitness+, and it was selected. Bassinger selected the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Schools athletic department as the recipient of the donation.

Physical education teacher Jeremy Goebel said, “It is a great privilege to have donated $500 to the student movement in physical education.” Goebel expects the gift will be used to purchase something that promotes cardio training for young people.

The award was made possible by Medicas Stretch Across Nebraska in partnership with News Channel Nebraska. One submission will be selected every week until April 2025.

Silver Sneakers is a health and fitness program open to all adults ages 65 and older. Some memberships may be included in Medicare Advantage plans. Silver Sneakers was founded in 2008 at Fitness+, the last 11 years at its current location at 940 12th Street in Syracuse. Jan Brandt has led the group for five years.

Fitness+ is owned by Syracuse Area Health. Director Kristin Walters said, “Syracuse Area Health continues to make strides in creating healthy communities through its mission of compassionate care. A shining example of this is the Silver Sneakers program, a fitness class designed to improve strength, balance and mobility and promote a sense of community.”

“Fitness+ is proud to host classes like Silver Sneakers that fulfill Syracuse Area Health’s mission of compassionate care and healthy communities. “A body in motion stays in motion,” as the saying goes, and programs like Silver Sneakers keep people moving in fun and meaningful ways,” concluded Walters.

For more information about Fitness+ and its offerings, visit www.syracuseareahealth.com.