Boardman YM event provided fun, challenges and a spotlight on obesity
BOARDMAN
When reaching for many of her ambitions, Jennel Benson aims high, though when it comes to certain types of recreation, she’s more of a straight shooter.
That promises to bode well for the 11-year-old Youngstown girl who plans to join the 4-H of Mahoning County’s archery club next year.
Meanwhile, she spent time with bow and arrow in hand making her best shots as part of today’s Healthy Kids Day at the D.D. & Velma Davis Family YMCA, 45 McClurg Road.
Jennel, a fifth-grader who is home-schooled and is a YMCA member, was among those who took part in the three-hour indoor and outdoor free gathering, which featured about 22 vendors dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyle choices while encouraging participants to be more active.
The effort also was part of a national initiative that features fun, fitness and educational opportunities for people of all ages.
Thanks to Camp Fitch, kayaks replaced the usual swimmers in the Y’s indoor pool, and one instructor brought a fitness program called aerial silks, which is an aerobic art form for children and adults performed with two strips of fabric hung from a single point. A typical routine combines climbing, twisting and hanging moves.
In addition to offering fun, challenging activities, Saturday’s gathering was to call attention to the incidence of obesity in the U.S. while encouraging youngsters to remain active, especially when school is in recess.
For more on the event, read Saturday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.