KidPower - a National Education Program

Our modern sedentary lifestyle is putting our kids at risk of becoming the first generation that will have a life expectancy shorter than that of their parents. Childhood obesity can cause poor self esteem and be socially isolating. In adulthood, being seriously over-weight can often lead to illness and premature death. Unfortunately, between 10 and 15% of our children are obese. Obesity in childhood often leads to obesity in adulthood. Most parents want the best for their children - including the chance to lead a long and healthy life. For obese children this goal is seriously threatened.

"The presentation was awesome and the kids and teachers definitely loved it. Greg and his wife were super people. We really appreciated that they let all the kids sit in the bike and try to do the weight challenge while they waited for the others to finish. That one activity was a real eye opener for the kids. There was lots of good feedback from everyone and increased conversation around trying to be more fit and setting fitness goals for themselves (both teachers and kids). The kids were even asking if Greg was coming back after his trip so they could hear some more about it. "

Trudi Tallerico
Glenbrook Elementary School

KidPower is a national education program focused on developing young children into healthy, active and positive people. Kid Power will deliver tools for children, families and schools to promote healthy lifestyles delivered through:

1. KidPower In-School Presentations

2. KidPower Blog

3. KidPower Podcasts

4. KidPower Newsletters

5. KidPower Website

6. KidPower Competitions

"HUMAN POWER IS THE POWER FROM 'WiTHiN' ! AS A SOCIETY,
WE NEED TO START USING IT, OR WE RISK LOSING IT"

Greg's school talks and programs aim to show children what the human body is capable of and inspire children to get out and get physical. Not everyone is capable of setting human powered speed records but we are all capable of more than we think. By showing what is possible he hopes to ignite imagination in children in physical activity and technology. Greg's presentations help expel fears in children by giving candid question and answer sessions.

"It is an amazing feeling to stand up in front of 200 kids and show them that it is possible to make your dreams come true. With vision, focus and determination, we can accomplish anything. I truly believe that. As a society, we have a vested interest in keeping our future generation healthy, happy and productive. A government sponsored advertising campaign on eating your vegetables is NOT going to make a dent in stemming the health problems caused by our ever increasing sedentary lifestyle. Being a role model, and providing our kids with inspiring reasons to stay fit and healthy is the way to do it. That is really my ultimate goal here. Everything that the Pedal The Ice Cap expedition does will support this end. Setting world records in cutting-edge human powered machines from the future, crossing an ocean in a pedal boat and crossing ice caps in record time by human power are the kind of accomplishments that give me a stage. I get their attention. They think it's cool. And they listen to what I have to say."

Greg Kolodziejzyk

The Critical Power human powered vehicle simulator

Currently in development is a state of the art human powered vehicle simulator that will become an integral part of each KidPower presentation. The Kids will experience what it feels like to exert 150 watts of human power and the thrill of reaching speeds upwards of 50 kph just like Greg did when he broke the world record for the most distance covered in 24 hours by human power in his special human powered vehicle "Critical Power". The 'pilot' of the simulator navigates the human powered vehicle through a virtual city, turning corners at whim, exploring the city and avoiding other vehicle traffic, pedestrians and obstacles. The addition of some physical effort takes this thrilling video game to all whole new level!

Greg's vision is to someday see his KidPower school speaking program expand to cross the nation. 10% of all money raised for the Pedal The Ice Cap expedition will go to funding the KidPower national program.