What is CHAMPS?
The CHAMPS Sports and Fitness Program (CHAMPS) gives elementary and middle school students the opportunity to participate in fun, safe, and supervised physical activities before and after school. CHAMPS is open to students of all abilities. The name CHAMPS stands for Cooperative, Healthy, Active, Motivated and Positive Students.
The Benefits of CHAMPS
Participating in CHAMPS can help students:
- Stay active
- Stay connected to their school community
- Learn new physical and fitness activities that they can continue beyond their school years
- Learn how to work as a team and collaborate with others
Students who are physically active and fit do better in school. Physical activity is important for fitness and strength, healthy weight, and lifelong health. Children aged 6–7 should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day, according to national guidelines.
How Does CHAMPS Work?
Students at schools with a CHAMPS program can participate in activities in-person, at school. Principals apply for and oversee the CHAMPS program at their schools, select the activities they will offer, and the schedule. Teacher-coaches supervise the activities. Schools must follow current health and safety guidelines.
Activities
Schools choose from a list of CHAMPS activities to offer to their students. Not all CHAMPS schools offer the same activities. New York Public Schools works closely with several organizations to help schools plan high-quality physical activities. These are some of the organizations we have worked with:
- Build Our Kids Success (Reeboks)
- New York Road Runners
- Play Rugby USA
- Special Olympics
- United States Tennis Association
- National Football League (NFL) (flag football)
- Jr. NBA
How to Participate in CHAMPS
Contact your principal, physical education teacher, or parent coordinator to see if there is a CHAMPS program in your school.
Students in grades K-8 can participate in CHAMPS. They do not have to have any specific athletic skill level or experience. A parent or legal guardian must complete a consent form for their child and read a Concussion Parent Fact Sheet to participate in a CHAMPS activity. The CHAMPS teacher-coach distributes the consent form and fact sheet before the program begins. Find out more on our Concussions page.
For more information about CHAMPS, email wellness@schools.nyc.gov
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs and activities. The DOE is committed to complying with Title IX and ensuring that DOE schools and workplaces are free of sex discrimination.
Questions regarding Title IX compliance should be referred to:
Sobia Mahmood, Esq., Title IX Coordinator 65 Court Street, Room 1102 Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-935-4987 Title_IX_Inquiries@schools.nyc.gov