In December 2010, the Office of School Wellness Programs lost a key member of the CHAMPS team. Frank Garcia, Jr. died following complications after elective surgery. Queens teacher David Goldstein expressed New York City’s loss through the lens of his students: “they were not sad because they knew him, but sad because their younger classmates will never get the opportunity to know him.”
Frank joined OSWP after years as a PE teacher and coach at all grade levels. His 24-year career as a physical educator in our schools, in our central office, and in a summer day camp sponsored by the Sport and Arts in Schools Foundation put his talents as an educator, athlete, and coach to great use. Frank was passionate about helping all students develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, and his influence will continue to be felt by educators and students throughout the city.
We will miss him, but keep his voice in our heads, “Come on. Let’s get going. Make it happen.”