Today, according to County Health Rankings, 30 percent of children in Decatur County are physically inactive and 52 percent are currently living in poverty.
Furthermore, when the school year ends, the physical and educational health of many kids only worsens.
To kick-start physical activity and learning now and throughout the summer – a critical out-of-school time for kids – on Saturday, April 26, the Bainbridge Decatur County YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event for kids and families.
YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, features games, arts and crafts and more.
There are more than 15 local resources including Memorial Pediatrics, Georgia State Patrol, City of Bainbridge Public Safety, Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, Speech Therapy Services, Memorial Hospital and Manor, Decatur County Public Library and the Red Cross. Children’s activities will include face painting, bouncy houses, bike rodeo, obstacle course and other activities to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home.
Rev. Emory Smith will give the invocation at 9 a.m., followed by addresses from Senator Dean Burke and Representative Darlene Taylor. The first 100 youth will receive a T-shirt and be entered for the chance to win a new bicycle.
Presenting sponsors of Healthy Kids Day are Wal-Mart and Memorial Pediatrics. Supporting sponsors include People’s South Bank, Health Food and Yogurt Too, Dean Motors, A&S Rentals and Hardees. We thank them for the continued support and for their commitment to a healthier Decatur County.
“At YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, we are focusing on health and education to ensure fewer children are at an increased risk for childhood obesity and more children succeed in school,” said Crystal Hines, Membership Director, Bainbridge Decatur County YMCA.
“We know that during summer, research shows that kids are more likely to gain weight and fall behind academically than during the school year. Health Kids Day is not just a single day of fun, active play and learning – it’s a kick off to helping parents get a jump on creating a healthier summer.”