Health and nutrition starts at an early age and with a recent donation made to Greene County Elementary, one program can continue to show young kids how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Elementary Physical Education Teacher Sean Thompson says 25 bicycles were given by Jefferson Telecom, Bringing Optimism & Opportunities to Students & Teachers (BOOST) of Greene County, and the Greene County School District for his bike program. Thompson tells Raccoon Valley Radio he initially removes the pedals from these bikes so that the students can learn to balance themselves without having to put their feet down while riding the bike. He points out this style of bike makes kids learn the skill quicker without using training wheels.

Thompson notes these 20-inch wheel bikes have hand brakes, which is another lesson for kids to learn and using the brakes effectively to keep themselves safe is a critical part of his program. He eventually would like to expand the program to include more children in the future. 

Thompson thanks all three organizations for their generous donation.