By By Matthew Nascone
The Atmore Area YMCA will be attempting to 'Put Play in Your Day' April 8. The local Y will be hosting YMCA Healthy Kids Day in an attempt to show kids ways to exercise and have fun while doing it.
"With 9 million U.S. children overweight – more than double the percentage in 1980 – increasing the levels of physical activity in the lives of our children is a critical component of this country's efforts to fight childhood obesity," YMCA branch director Tammy Graham said in a news release. "Statistics say that in Escambia County alone, one in three children are considered overweight and Atmore YMCA is committed to helping these young people get healthier."
Graham and the Y hope to curve that number by helping local children exercise on April 8 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. According to a news release, the activities planned for the day include, Frisbee toss, basketball shoot-out, soccer kick, a fit trail, an obstacle course, kid's aerobic classes and tug-o-war.
A bike-a-thon will also be held on Saturday and all money raised will benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
There will also be prizes awarded for first, second and third place in the Punt, Pass &Kick Competition, long jump competition and jump rope competition, according to a news release.
Healthy Kids Day is a YMCA program that spans the country every year in the spring and more than 1,400 YMCAs around the country will celebrate this day on April 8.
According to the YMCA Web site, Healthy Kids Day is part of the YMCA Activate America program and is supported by the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Public Health Association, American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Association of Chronic Disease Program Directors.
The Atmore Area YMCA serves as many as 550 children and in 2005 they provided at least $4,000 in scholarships to children and families for memberships, summer camp, child care and various other causes, according to a news release.
"The Atmore Area YMCA is excited about welcoming kids and families to our Healthy Kids Day celebration on April 8," Graham said. "We also invite everyone to learn more about our year-round activities like aerobics, ballroom dancing and yoga. Registration for summer day camp will also take place on April 8."
The main goal of the day is to show children exercising can be fun, and Leslie Odom, child care director of the Atmore Area YMCA, said she is dedicated to this cause.
"This day is designed to celebrate healthy living, encourage kids and families to get excited about physical fun and activity and most importantly just play," she said.
So, for a day of family and fast-paced exercising excitement, head over to the Amore Area YMCA and 'Put Play in Your Day' on April 8 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.