RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) -

Richmond Public Schools wants its students to be "Fit for Life!"The school health and fitness challenge targets the growing childhood obesity epidemic and culminated in a field day Tuesday.

The program is based on the idea healthy bodies make healthy minds. It's pioneering the use of financial incentives as motivation for kids to get fit.

12-year-old Pope is a sixth grader at Albert Hill Middle School. He puts a frighteningly common dilemma simply.

"When I was younger, I always was big, the bigger kid, and I didn't like being the bigger kid," he said."So I put myself into the work."

He put himself to work by working out his body and mind in the district's one-of-a-kind "Fit for Life" pilot program.

"We go outside, exercise, play basketball, play sports outside, do work in the classrooms," Pope elaborated.

The challenge is two-pronged: The first part provides free to the student after-school medical exams and physicals.The second is a fitness competition.

Gene Parris, who teaches Pope, said that competition has changed the kids by showing them the benefits of physical activity.

"They are aware now that they can do fun things and now fun things can also keep you healthy," Parris explained.

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"Fit for Life" program targets child obesity