Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation is proud to present the Fit Kids Challenge, a 16-week activity program that encourages kids to be active over the summer. According to the Mayo Clinic, over the past 30 years, the rate of obesity in the United States has more than doubled for preschoolers and adolescents, and it has more than tripled for children age six to eleven.
"Obese children get a head start on health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, often carrying these problems into an obese adulthood. If this trend continues, obesity may soon top smoking as the nation's most preventable cause of death," reported the Mayo staff.
Causes for the increased obesity rates are debatable ranging from an increase in television viewing, video gaming and computer use to poor nutrition and the elimination of physical education programs in schools.
"The bottom line is kids are taking in more calories then they are expending," stated Nicole Mueller, Director of Health Initiatives for the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation. "Whatever the reason for the increase, we need to get our kids moving."
The Fit Kids Challenge encourages a healthier lifestyle. Each participant receives a log form in the shape of a running track, which is divided into 100 squares. Each square represents one hour of physical activity. The bronze level is 50 hours, silver is 75 and the gold level is 100 hours. The program occurs during the summer when children lucky enough to have physical education during the school year might lack structured activity.
"For the most part, anything where kids are moving counts, from jumping rope to playing soccer," said Mueller. "We also send out monthly newsletters geared towards the kids, with healthy recipes and other good-for-you information. It's fun, easy and free, not to mention beneficial. There's no reason not to sign up, plus the first 500 kids to do so get a free t-shirt.
Registration ends July 31, 2005. Forms are available online at www.fitkidschallenge.com. All participants are invited to the free party on top of the Monona Terrace September 10 and may participate in the fun run around the Capitol finishing on the Ironman finish line. There will be free food and games to follow.
To learn more about the Fit Kids Challenge and for registration information visit www.FitKidsChallenge.com or call 608-226-4780.
The Fit Kids Challenge is presented by Group Health Cooperative and is supported by University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital, Princeton Club, Charter Communications, St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, Meriter, GE Healthcare, Dean Health System, RBC Dain Raushcer, Physicians Plus and Unity Health Plans Insurance Corporation.
Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation is a nonprofit sports management organization that helps develop sports tourism in Wisconsin and promotes positive lifestyles and physical fitness through amateur athletic events and health education programs. WSDC properties include the Badger State Games, Paddle and Portage, the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, Shape Up Wisconsin Kids, Lighten Up Wisconsin and the Fit Kids Challenge. WSDC is also the local host of Ironman Wisconsin.