The Frank Phillips YMCA and Columbus Kiwanis Club present “YMCA Healthy Kids Day” on April 17, from 9 a.m.-noon, at the downtown YMCA.
The nation”s largest health day for children and families features activities to promote wellness and healthy living.
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle will provide an ambulance for children to explore. Activities will include face painting, interactive games, hula-hoops, YMCA summer camp sign-up, inflatable bouncers, a dunking booth, bicycle and water safety, fingerprinting, Zumba for Kids, Mother Goose and much more. The event is free and open to the public. The YMCA will also waive membership joining fees for this one day.
“This year, we”re bringing back the passport. Kids gain stamps by visiting the activity stations and turning in their stamped passports for a chance to win prizes, such as one week at YMCA summer camp, one week at Y art camp, swimming lessons or a child”s birthday party,” said Barbara Bigelow, director of community relations for the YMCA. “The passport is a fun way to get the kids and parents involved. Healthy Kids Day is a wonderful event which focuses on health, nutrition and exercise for our children and families. It shows that exercise and movement can be easy and fun!”
Giveaways have gift values up to $150.
A new addition to this year”s event is the Mother Goose Look-A-Like Style Show. Mother Goose will emcee the style show, where patrons are invited to show off their best Mother Goose gear.
There also will be a special Dunk the Chiefs hour, where Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John and Columbus Fire Chief Ken Moore will compete at dunking booths for bragging rights for most donations garnered for children”s programs at the Y. Larry Stone also has volunteered to be dunked in the booth.
“Many families and individuals desire a healthier and happier life but struggle to sustain it”, said Andy Boyd, executive director of the Y. “Whether they are in our YMCA facilities, out in the community or in their own homes, we want families to know that we are here to help them find a way to start establishing new, healthy habits and that we also offer a supportive community to help them along the way to develop a stronger spirit, mind and body.”
This event is made possible from the generosity of the Columbus Kiwanis Club and local businesses and organizations
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