Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has unveiled a renovated weight room at Northwest Middle School, completed through a partnership with Elevance Health and the Impact Fitness Foundation. The project was celebrated on September 24 and represents the fourth time a fitness space in an Indianapolis school has been upgraded as part of Elevance Health’s community health initiatives.

The previous facility contained outdated equipment meant for high school students. With the help of about 30 volunteers from Elevance Health, the space now features new flooring, updated training equipment, and improved storage to better suit middle school students’ needs.

Nichole Morrow-Weaver, Principal of Northwest Middle School, expressed appreciation for the collaboration: “We are incredibly grateful to Elevance Health and the Impact Fitness Foundation for bringing this vision to life. For many of our students, this will be their very first experience in a proper fitness space. We know this will help our kids develop healthier habits, improve athletic performance, and build confidence both on and off the court.”

Elevance Health’s support is linked to its sponsorship of the Women’s Fort Myers Tipoff collegiate basketball tournament held each November. Anita Allemand, Chief Growth Officer at Elevance Health, stated: “As an organization, we know that health isn’t just about care delivered in a doctor’s office—it’s about the resources available where people live, learn, and play. By connecting the Women’s Fort Myers Tipoff with investments like this, we’re ensuring that more students have access to safe, inspiring fitness spaces that support both physical and mental well-being.”

Chris Welsh, Founder and President of the Impact Fitness Foundation, highlighted that middle school years are important for encouraging participation in sports and fitness.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from organizers on Wednesday, trainers from the Impact Fitness Foundation led an orientation clinic for students and staff on how to use the new facility.