Healthy Kids Day

In celebration of the Y’s cause for healthy living, the Attleboro Y is hosting a full day of family-friendly activities at the Balfour River Walk Park on Saturday, May 7th, to inspire community members of all ages to be active and healthy.   

The day will kick off at 8:00 a.m. with the 18th annual Strawberry Patch Run, a series of races for children in grades 1-8. Then runners of all ages can participate in the Attleboro Y’s 35th annual 5K and 10K races at 9:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., respectively.

Healthy Kids Day, a free event for youth and families, begins at 10:00 a.m. with relay races, fitness challenges, and games that’ll get everyone jumping, running, and hula-hooping.

As part of Healthy Kids Day, YMCA Youth & Wellness Director Ed Poirier will present the awards for the Activate Attleboro Step Challenge. This friendly contest challenges Attleboro Public School 4th and 5th graders to see how many steps they can take in 10 days. Students learn the benefits of increased physical activity while exploring the practical applications of math, geography, and science as they track their steps. Plus, students learn cooperation and teamwork, because the championship trophy is presented to the winning school – rather than an individual. And this year, the challenge has been extended to local corporations and organizations to motivate adult members of the community as well.

“An event like this really celebrates the fun of physical activity,” says Robin McDonald, the Attleboro Y’s CEO. “In light of local and national statistics on diabetes and obesity, we all know how important it is to stay active. But somewhere between childhood and adulthood, physical activity becomes an obligation rather than a joy. Healthy Kids Day reminds kids and adults alike to find that joy in physical activity. It’s recess.”

For more information and registration materials for the Strawberry Patch Run or the Attleboro Y’s Road Races, call the Y at 508-222-7422 or check out the Y’s upcoming events at www.attleboroymca.org.