Press Room

ACE SELECTS RANIEL "RAY" TRINIDAD AS OPERATION FITKIDS (OFK) PROGRAM MANAGER

Posted: Aug 01, 2002 in

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – July 31, 2002 –The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s nonprofit fitness advocate, today announced that Raniel “Ray” Trinidad has joined ACE as Program Manager for Operation Fit Kids (OFK), ACE’s youth outreach program. Trinidad is responsible for directing and implementing ACE’s vision of improving the health and fitness of America's youth. Through the use of commercial fitness equipment donated by equipment manufacturers and health clubs, OFK provides fitness facilities to communities in need.

Most recently Trinidad served as a Consultant for the California Department of Education and Foundation Consortium. Providing technical, operational and program support to after-school sites in California, Trinidad also developed and delivered workshops and trainings for program staff, school administrators and community based organizations.

Trinidad’s career spans 15 years in youth outreach in a variety of positions creating and developing programs for law enforcement, YMCAs, public schools and foundations. Trinidad served as Chief Operating Officer of Arnold’s All-Stars After-School Program, led by actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Director of Community Programs at Monroe Clark Middle School in San Diego, CA.

“Positive connections with adults is the key to success when delivering youth programs,” said Ray Trinidad, OFK Program Manager. “I can’t think of better real-life role models than ACE certified trainers and I am pleased to be able to drive such a viable program.”

Trinidad has been credited with developing the nationally recognized San Diego State University/Monroe Clark Middle School XDC Program that serves as many as 450 youth daily after school. Inner-city students participate in fitness, sports, academics and non-traditional activities with teachers, mentors and other positive adult role models. Many of these adults are dedicated volunteers from the community and local universities.

Trinidad holds a B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in American Administration from the University of California, San Diego. Established in 1990, Operation FitKids has emerged as a significant program in the area of youth fitness, helping thousands of children benefit from its fitness centers each year. Working with local high schools, organizations, and youth groups, Operation FitKids creates fitness centers, at minimal cost, to provide adolescents and teenagers with greater access to comprehensive physical fitness programs. For more information on Operation FitKids, visit www.operationfitkids.org or contact Trinidad at 858-279-8227 ext. 707 or Rayt@acefitness.org.

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About ACE
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s Authority on Fitness, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. As the nation’s “workout watchdog,” ACE sponsors university-based exercise science research and testing that targets fitness products and trends. ACE sets standards for fitness professionals and is the world’s largest nonprofit fitness certifying organization. For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE Web site at www.acefitness.org.