(IRON MOUNTAIN,MI)– Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center’s annual One Big Day for Healthy Kids takes place Saturday, April 14 at the Kingsford Middle School Gymnasium from 9 am to 12 pm. Sponsored by Superior Health Foundation, Boss Snowplow, DCHS Hospital Foundation, First National Bank & Trust Co of Iron Mountain-Kingsford, Black Dragon TaeKwon-Do, and U.P. Dance Academy, the free family-friendly event brings area organizations, clubs, businesses and vendors together in the spirit of keeping kids active. Free bike helmets (while supplies last), bounce houses and carnival games will be available. Healthy Kids Day,is celebrated at over 1,500 Y’s across the country by over 1.2 million participants, works to get more kids moving and learning, creating habits that they continue all summer long. When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that without access to out-of-school learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. As spring turns to summer, Healthy Kids Day is a powerful reminder not to let children idle away their summer days. Instead, the Y wants families to focus on helping children imagine what they can accomplish over the summer. “When a child is healthy, happy, and supported they can make great things happen,” YMCA Youth Coordinator Courtney Amble said. “We believe in the potential of all children, and we strive to help kids find that potential within themselves. A child’s development is never on vacation and Healthy Kids Day is a great opportunity to educate families and motivate kids to stay active in spirit, mind and body throughout the summer.” Kiwanis Aktion Club will be hosting a pancake breakfast as part of the event beginning at 8 a.m.
(Aaron Harper, WJNR,WOBE,WHTO)
aaronharper22@gmail.com