About 15 percent of Kansas kids are obese. A 2004 study by the Kansas Department of Health and Education also finds about 60 percent of Kansas students kindergarten through 8th grade are not getting the recommended amount of daily exercise.
To reinforce the fun and health benefits of noncompetitive physical activities, the Governor’s Council on Fitness co-sponsors the annual Kansas Kids’ Fitness and Safety Day. More than 15,000 third-graders joined Friday’s 22nd annual event at 30 sites across the state.
Hays O’Loughlin third grader Olivia Rankin was among the 400 or so participating at Fort Hays State University’s Moeckel Field. Olivia knows exercise is important for a strong healthy body. She says she’s been active in dance and soccer for many years, and took up track last year.
All the participants in Kansas were each given jump ropes and popper balls to encourage ongoing physical activity.
See more tonight on Street Beat Eagle Community TV Channel 14.