Thanks to the United Way of Mower County, Pacelli students have a lot more reasons to enjoy gym class.

Pacelli Catholic Schools received $1,168 from UWMC’s Get Fit Challenge to purchase physical education equipment, which means new basketballs for the middle school, juggling equipment and a new volleyball net, among other things.

“It benefits all of us,” said Mary Holtorf, principal of Pacelli Catholic Schools.

“You get them in, you get them working, they have no idea a half hour has gone by and they’re having fun.”

This isn’t the first time Pacelli has received a Get Fit grant from UWMC, as they got funding for the high school’s weight room last year. This year’s money has gone towards replacing old equipment in need of repair, like the middle school basketballs, as well as new equipment, like the juggling rings and square dance CD Kitty Garry, the elementary Phy Ed teacher, ordered to teach students new activities.

“As soon as I knew we were going to get this, I got catalogs out and studied them by the hour just to make sure the decisions I made were going to be the best for our program,” Garry said.

Other purchases include new ball cages for the exercise balls as well as extra large bases for dodgeball and other activities. The elementary school has new stopwatches as well, something Garry has been trying to replace for quite some time.

The school has had most of the new equipment since the beginning of November, but students and staff still appreciate the new activities UWMC’s grant has given.

“It came at a wonderful time, so that organization needs a pat on the back for things they do,” Garry said.