Across Canada, most children do not meet recommended levels of daily physical activity. Rising rates of obesity and related chronic disease tell us that getting kids active should be a top priority for parents, schools, and all Canadians.
The 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth gave Canadian children a D- grade for physical activity. “A D- grade is just not acceptable,” says Lisa Rankin, vice-president of child care and community initiatives at the YMCA of Oakville. “We can do better.”
On June 2, 2013, the YMCA of Oakville will join YMCAs across Canada in hosting YMCA Healthy Kids Day. Designed to help kids and families embrace healthy habits that can become a lifelong practice, this free community event will focus on fun and engaging activities, practical information and simple ways to be healthier in spirit, mind and body.
“Our children’s health is very important to us. Our aim is to show families, children and youth that making healthy choices can be fun and easy,” says Ms. Rankin.
“Our children’s health is very important to us. Our aim is to show families, children and youth that making healthy choices can be fun and easy,”
- Lisa Rankin, VP, Child Care and Community Initiatives, YMCA Oakville
YMCA Healthy Kids Day is on Sunday, June 2, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA located at 410 Rebecca Street.
FREE YMCA Healthy Kids Day activities at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA include:
§ Family Boot Camp and Family Zumba, fitness classes, rock climbing and swimming
§ Preschool Play Zone, Sports Zone and an inflatable obstacle course
§ Kids N’ Motion RE Cycle and BUY Cycle
§ Oakville Cycle and Halton Regional Police will lead a neighbourhood bike ride
§ BMX and skatepark with Jibs Action Sports
§ Live local youth rock band Motion Device and a Community Youth Fest for youth 14-18
§ Community exhibitors with tips, resources and giveaways
§ PLUS: A special guest appearance by YTV's Nathan McLeod of Life With Boys and much more!
For more details, view the event schedule at www.ymcaofoakville.com.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day is just the beginning. The YMCA is also a partner in Healthy Me Week, June 2-8. For more information visit www.healthymeweek.ca.