Columbus, the YMCA, Columbus Kiwanis Club, Stark Aerospace and Carl Hogan Dodge Saturday are celebrating YMCA Healthy Kids Day with a free, community event for kids and families.
Healthy Kids Day, a national initiative of the YMCA to improve health and well-being of kids, will be held at the Columbus Riverwalk on April 28, beginning with a family fun run at 8:30 a.m., with other activities from 9 a.m. until noon. The event features tug-of-war challenges, relay races, face painting, blood pressure checks, a fire combat challenge, removable tattoos, fingerprinting, eye exams, a dunking booth, karate demonstrations, Mother Goose, the Snack Shack, nutrition fun and more.
Mayor Robert Smith and Lowndes Board President and District 1 Supervisor Harry Sanders will welcome attendees at 9:30 a.m., and participate in a tug-of-war game at 9:45 a.m.
Mother Goose will read a story at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. and a Hula Hoop contest will be held at 11 a.m. Karate demonstrations will be given every half hour, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Participants will receive passports, which will be stamped when activity stations are visited. Passports are turned in for a chance to win YMCA prizes, like one week at summer camp, art camp, swimming lessons or a child’s birthday party at the YMCA.
“At the Frank P. Phillips YMCA, we know that when the school year ends, many kids lose exposure to activities that keep them moving and learning. Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need, in order to stay physically and intellectually active in the summer,” said Andy Boyd, Executive Director of the YMCA. “Summer is just around the corner and is an ideal time for kids to get out and grow, so they are healthier and sharper when the next school year begins.”
The YMCA will waive the joining fee on Healthy Kids Day.
For more information, contact the downtown Columbus YMCA, at 662-328-7696, or visit www.columbus-ymca.com.
A leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA holds Healthy Kids Day to teach healthy habits and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity through active play.
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