A record 650,000 Ohio students are taking part in the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge as the statewide program begins its third round.
Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel kicked off the latest challenge Monday, with students at more than 2,100 schools across all 88 counties participating.
The free challenge is open to students in grades 3 through 8 and is designed to help young Ohioans develop healthy habits that can benefit them in the classroom and throughout their lives.
Students are encouraged to focus on fitness, nutrition, sleep, goal setting, and an attitude of gratitude. Each participant receives a Challenge workbook to track their progress as they work toward bronze, silver and gold achievement levels.
The program has grown significantly since launching in August 2025. Student participation has increased by nearly 255%, making the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge one of the largest statewide youth wellness efforts in the country.
Tressel said the growth of the program is exciting, but the biggest impact comes from what students can learn about themselves through the challenge.
“The most exciting part isn’t how big this Challenge has become. It’s knowing that well over half a million young people are going to learn something about themselves along the way,” Tressel said.
“We want every student to discover that when they set a goal, build good habits, and give their best effort every day, there’s no limit to what they can accomplish.”
Students will also have support from hundreds of current and former collegiate and professional athletes serving as mentors to participating schools across Ohio.
The athletes will encourage students throughout the challenge and share lessons about confidence, discipline, teamwork and perseverance, along with what it takes to set a goal and continue working toward it.
Throughout the fall, Tressel and participating athletes will travel across Ohio for school assemblies, workouts, mentorship opportunities and other visits designed to encourage students and show them that their communities are behind them.
Parents, teachers, coaches, athletes, community leaders, businesses and others are also encouraged to support students taking part in the challenge.
The third round of the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge runs from August 31 through December 4, 2026.
More information about the challenge and how to get involved is available at TeamTressel.ohio.gov.
