Girard health fair wraps a week of wellness activities

Girard health fair wraps a week of wellness activities

By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK

news@vindy.com

GIRARD

There were clowns and games, like any fair, but the one at Girard High School was about more than fun.

The event held Saturday was the school district’s wrap up to its wellness week.

“We decided this year we wanted to really start making a difference, not only in our children, but in our community,” said Roger Parson, the district’s regional food service director. “Everything that happens here at Girard City Schools goes out to the community through the children. So we wanted parents and grandparents [involved], and we thought this would be the best way to top off our whole wellness week.”

The week-long wellness activities for students included learning Zumba, a dance-based fitness program, and nutritious snacks every day, Parson said.

“We wanted everybody to try a sugar snap pea,” Pardon said. “You would be surprised at how many kids have never seen or eaten a raw sugar snap pea, or a raw green bean or chick peas or things like that.”

Those who attended the health and wellness fair had a chance to sample those and other vegetables, as well.

Participants could also try an obstacle course in the gym, snack on apples and pears, have their hearing checked, learn their body fat index, and more.

“It’s awesome,” said Anthony Piganelli, a third grade Girard student. “I got to go play in the gym.”