'Healthy Kids Day' Kicks Off At YMCAs Nationwide
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Thousands of YMCAs across the country are opening their doors and kicking off an important event this weekend.
Gigi Barnett has more on "Healthy Kids Day."
Visiting the pool at the Y in Towson is a family event for the Dombroskies.
"They have fun at the pool. In fact, the four-year-old asked specifically to come to the pool today," said Ian Dombroski, Y member.
It's really exercise wrapped up in the guise of fun. And that's exactly what the YMCA wants to promote this weekend at its "Healthy Kids Day" event.
"Start them off early. The earlier you can get kids integrated into a healthy lifestyle, the more common place it becomes for them and the more likely it is they're going to carry that into their adult life," said Kelly Lepley, YMCA director of fitness.
The nationwide event features tours of the facilities, workout options--like rock climbing walls--and no membership is required.
Parents can find out how to keep kids healthy all year long. The Y CEO Kevin Washington explained on CBS.
"Big day for us because it's an opportunity for us to share with the community about how we're engaging to make sure all kids are healthy, regardless of where they come from. We'll have over 1,300 Ys across this country engaged in this activity," said Washington.
Healthy Kids Day is also a chance for visitors who haven't been in awhile to take a second look at the Y.
"It gives them the chance to come in and get the feel for the kind of environment we are, we create, we facilitate healthy living. People can really come get a snap shot of what we offer all year long," said Lepley.
The Y of Central Maryland has 12 locations. All of them are participating in "Healthy Kids Day."
"Healthy Kids Day" is Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at all locations. It's free for all.
