The GOAL Foundation, The YMCA After School Program, Boys and Girls Clubs and Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Center have partnered together to find exciting ways to get the young people in our community active. The GOAL Foundation and its program partners promote healthy active lifestyles for children and adults. Our initiatives include the GOAL Foundation's Get Out And Live Program, YMCA's Activate America® and McKay-Dee Hospital's LiVe campaign.
The obesity among children is on the increase. The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate 1 out of 3 kids are now considered overweight or obese. Many kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer, or video-game console. And today's busy families have fewer free moments to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals, day in and day out. From fast food to electronics, quick and easy seems to be the mindset of many people in the new millennium.
The GOAL Foundation along with its project partners aspire to model and celebrate healthy living in all that we do. One of the ways that we aim to do this is to pilot the new Young Runners Program. A nutrition and exercise program that teaches children how to: Understand proper nutrition and healthy eating, understand the functions of different body parts, build muscles and to maintain a healthy weight all culminating in an entry into the Granite Construction KidsK or if they are ready for it, the Kimberly-Clark 5K.
The Young Runners Program will be implemented into all 13 YMCA after school programs in the Ogden as well as all of the Boys and Girls Club locations in the area throughout the year on a weekly basis. Curriculum designed by the YMCA and McKay-Dee Hospital, will be implemented one day a week and separated into eight weeks blocks. There are four blocks per school year. Incentives are built into the program to ensure completion. Completing two of the eight week blocks gives the children the opportunity to earn an entry fee to run the Granite Construction KidsK or the Kimberly Clark 5K.
Throughout the year they are building their self-esteem through their participation in the program reaching their ultimate goal in running an Ogden Marathon event. They will experience self satisfaction meeting their personal goal as they run alongside world class athletes with crowds waving, clapping, and cheering and bells ringing and shouts of praise just for them.
Not all children are able to enter the KidsK or 5K and experience the personal feeling of satisfaction when they cross the finish line. The GOAL Foundation invites you to be part of the Young Runners Program. Include a small donation along with your entry fee that will allow a child to participate and know that you have helped a young person set a course to a healthier lifestyle.
If you would like additional information, to make a donation or to be involved in the program, contact us at:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 801-399-1773
