FLINT, MI — A free day of family friendly exercise planned this weekend aims to cultivate generational health for future leaders.
The 4th Annual “Active & Healthy Kids Day”, organized by Harambee Wellness, takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 inside the Coolidge Park Gymnasium, 3701 Van Buren Ave., in Flint.
The event is free to attend. Registration and additional information is available on the website.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the emotional health of communities nationwide and caused an increase in sedentary lifestyle habits for everyone, especially the youth.
In an effort to positively impact the health outcomes of our future leaders, Harambee Wellness has curated a free event to encourage physical activity amongst children and families in a fun way.
In previous years, the organization has hosted this event to raise awareness about childhood obesity in the form of a one-hour family fitness class.
However, the impact of the pandemic, along with a growing need for practical ways that empower the local youth to be active, prompted the expansion of the event to include more activities and resources from local health organizations.
Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five school age children and young people ages six to 19 years old in the U.S. has obesity, which has immediate and long-term effects on their physical, social, and emotional health.
“It’s well known that the pandemic has adversely affected adults, but we must not forget about the children,” Marquita Adams, certified personal trainer and founder of Harambee Wellness, said in a news release. “Virtual learning for school-aged youth resulted in more screen time, anxiety, social isolation, and reduced the ability to engage in regular physical activity, such as recess and gym. This has exacerbated an already alarming obesity epidemic amongst the youth.”
Obesity is preventable and children develop healthy habits by watching adults; family fitness is a key component for cultivating generational health. The event encourages parents and caregivers to bring children of all ages for field day games and fun, engaging alternatives to traditional exercise routines.
There will also be free food, family yoga, and food demonstrations throughout the event.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to walk away with amazing prizes and giveaways to keep the “healthy and active” momentum going at home.
Community partners will be on site to provide information about local health and nutrition resources.
Sponsors of the event include Freeman Elementary Community Education Initiative, In the Beginning: 1st Ward Project, and Uma Strong Marshall Outreach.
The vision, mission, and core values are all centered around togetherness. “Harambee” is a Swahili word meaning, “all pull together.”
Founded in January 2017 by Marquita Adams, a Flint native, with the purpose of cultivating community by creating fun health and fitness experiences.
Harambee Wellness provides personal training, online training, group fitness classes, fitness parties, corporate wellness solutions, and meal planning.
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