By By Janet Little Cooper
Despite a short rain delay, the Atmore Area YMCA successfully put play in families of Atmore all day Saturday.
The Y hosted YMCA Healthy Kids Day in an attempt to show kids ways to exercise and have fun while doing it.
"The rain delayed us for an hour," YMCA branch director Tammy Graham said. "More than 100 people showed up and had a great time. This was my first and I was told that in the past they would have only 30 to 35 children show up. It went great. A lot of families came together and a lot of children."
YMCA Healthy Kids Day is a national community outreach event hosted by local YMCA's each spring to promote healthy lifestyles for kids and families.
It's a free, fun-filled day of activities that celebrate how fitness can be exciting, as well as introduce kids to a variety of YMCA programs that teach them healthy behaviors and a ways to play.
Saturday's events included an obstacle course, Frisbee toss, fitness trail, basketball shoot, beanbag toss, and sack race.
Various demonstrations were held throughout the day to encourage physical fitness that included a cheerleader demonstration as well as dance, gymnastic and karate demonstrations.
Children were also able to compete in a long jump competition and a tug-of-war.
"We had to cut out the jump rope and punt, pass and kick competitions and the bike-a-thon due to a lack of participants," Graham said. "But I still believe we accomplished what we set out to do. Everyone had a good time and a lot of the people who came stayed for the entire day. It takes a lot to keep children outside and playing now."
The YMCA would like to thank everyone who participated and would also like to thank Pepsi, Escofab, ECHS ROTC and the staff of the Y for everything they contributed to help make the day a success.