Central Park

The Daily Plant : Monday, June 21, 2004

NYC KIDS IN MOTION! BRINGS FITNESS TO CENTRAL PARK

Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, American Cancer Society’s Regional Vice President Pierre LaRamée, and Department of Education Senior Executive Lester Young ushered in the first annual NYC Kids in Motion! on Wednesday, June 16. As a crowd of middle school students clapped in unison, fitness instructors from Bally Total Fitness performed a sizzling hip-hop routine. Clad in red and black workout clothes, the instructors led the students in a warm-up and stretch to kick off a day of fitness and fun in Central Park. The park was transformed with students participating in activities with representatives from the NFL, Major League Baseball, the New York Road Runners, the Harlem Wizards and dozens of other organizations focused on improving the health and well-being of New York City’s youth. The students took part in mini-clinics that had them kicking the soccer ball with Metrosoccer NY, relaxing their minds with Tai Chi for Kids, and scurrying around the park to sample a variety of other activities. Between their activities, the middle-school students snacked on fruit and water.

"The kids seemed to have a really fun time," said Kelly Gillen, Deputy Director of Central Recreation. "In fact, some even said it was the best field trip they had ever been on." NYC Kids in Motion! is a joint effort of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the American Cancer Society, and the Department of Education to develop healthy lifestyles in today’s youth.

"Obesity causes cancer and other diseases that can be prevented by healthy lifestyles," said LaRamée. "Our job is to teach children what those lifestyles are, and then give them the tools they need to make good choices. Our children are indeed our future, and we are coming together today to help them grow up to be fit and healthy."

According to a 2002 report by the American Medical Association, the most common health problem facing U.S. children is obesity. A lack of physical activity and poor nutrition are to blame for the growing epidemic. Obesity in children often leads to health problems in their adult life, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

The 1,200 participating public school students were selected from among 3,000 students who participated in the Department of Education’s C.H.A.M.P.S. (Cooperative Healthy Active Motivated Positive Students) fitness program. The C.H.A.M.P.S initiative to institute sports and fitness activities commenced this spring in 40 public schools and was sponsored by Snapple. Programs offered this year ranged from traditional sports like swimming, volleyball, and basketball to less conventional ones, such as handball, fencing, yoga, and tai chi.

For the students that participated in the fitness initiative, Central Park was an ideal place to work up a sweat and get in shape. "New York City has 28,700 acres of parkland and 35 recreation centers to help all New Yorkers lead healthier, more active lives," said Commissioner Benepe. "NYC Kids in Motion! shows the commitment of all of our partners to providing our children with the resources and help they need to make better choices for longer, healthier lives."

Written by Melissa Kuhn

"Drinking from fine china does not make a fine person."

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(b. 1948)

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