Think about it

In the United States alone, overweight and obesity rates are increasing. Today, more than a third of our children fit this category. The best time to develop healthy habits in regard to physical activity and diet are during the adolescent and early adulthood years.

Knowing these facts and statistics alone are reason enough for our education system to support the Building F.A.S.T. program. If our education system and community does not step up to combat this problem, who will? Or better question, who will benefit? Will the ever increasing costs of insurance premiums and medical costs continue? My guess is yes.

Now to discuss an idea many community members seem to be focusing on, the idea of the Building F.A.S.T. program lying or going back on their promise in regards to raising 100 percent of the money through private donations and fundraisers. When did coming forward and admitting you need help become a lie or a promise breaker? To us, a lie is when you deceitfully and maliciously hurt someone or misrepresent yourself. So what you few are telling us is this group of kids, parents and generous community members are trying to deceitfully misrepresent themselves?

To us, examples of lying and going back on your promise would be cheating on your spouse, filing bankruptcy and living beyond your means, stealing and many of the other behaviors that hurt or intentionally compromise other people.

If the music department, art department, academic department or any of the other great departments in the school system worked hours upon hours trying to achieve a benefit for their program and just could not accomplish their goal, wouldn't we as community members want to help them? So why are some so against the athletic department's goal to provide the students with a safe fitness area? Yes, that is correct -- the current room is not safe enough to hold the number of students who value strength training. Why would we tell any department "you" are just not important enough for us to support or because you made a promise you need to keep your promise despite any financial roadblocks you encounter. Trust us, the Building F.A.S.T. program would prefer to accomplish this goal on their own.

We are proud of the qualities and skills our son has developed due to his involvement in athletics. Not only does it include pride, sportsmanship, leadership, confidence and a high self-concept, but it also includes success in his academics. And for that we thank the USD 489 school district and all the dedicated teachers and coaches he's had throughout the years.

Our vote is to support the Building F.A.S.T. program. We encourage you to think beyond the idea of "a broken promise" and understand many of the other wonderful benefits this program can provide.

Kale and Rene Meyers

Hays