Fit Kids Day was created by kids for kids, in coordination with the Pinecrest Parks and Recreation Department, to bring awareness about childhood obesity. The third annual Fit Kids Day event on May 3 was tailored to introduce children to sports so that they will spend more time outside being active while having fun.
Children participated in tennis drills, soccer training, martial arts, baseball games, lacrosse demonstrations, Zumba and relaxation techniques during the day-long event at Evelyn Greer Park. Eduardo Bricenos-Saez is a senior Fit Kids Day student ambassador. He and other student ambassadors have planned this year’s event since January.
“I think that our hard work and long preparation for Fit Kids Day is worth the effort because it spreads the message that a healthy kid is a healthy adult,” said Bricenos-Saez, 12, a seventh grader in Gulliver Academy. “Being part of Fit Kids Day has made me realize that kids have a voice in the community and that we can make positive changes if we all work together.”
Garrett Kraft, 14, is also a Gulliver student. He joined the Fit Kids Day movement to help spread the word that small changes in diet and daily routines translate to a healthier lifestyle.
“I believe that the role I play as an ambassador for Fit Kids Day is very important to my community because I can help others learn about maintaining healthy life habits like eating healthy and exercising,” said Kraft, an eighth grader.
Catie Garcia, 13, is a founding student ambassador for Fit Kids Day. For three years she has been spreading the word about childhood obesity and its implications.
“Fit Kids Day has given me the opportunity to make a difference one city at a time,” said Garcia, an eighth grader in Ransom Everglades School. “It’s a fun way to let kids know that nutritious food can actually taste good and that doing sports and keeping active is the key to a healthier lifestyle and a healthier future.”
Key Biscayne will be hold its inaugural Fit Kids Day on May 24 and other groups in cities such as Aventura, Doral, Tampa and Jacksonville have shown interest in having similar events.
