Thursday, May 6, 2010 —
Children throughout the United States are confronting a devastating obesity epidemic due to a lack of physical activity and poor diet.
Recognizing the seriousness of our current situation, First Lady Michelle Obama has made childhood obesity her key issue by creating a national movement to get kids moving and help them become healthier.
At Norwood's Aquadale Elementary, students have already started to improve their fitness through a unique, free youth running program called “Mighty Milers,” sponsored by New York Road Runners, one of the world's most recognized and respected running organizations.
In Aquadale’s second year in the Mighty Milers program, almost 200 children have run nearly 25 miles each, and several have collected their medal for completing their first marathon (26.2) of miles.
P.E. teacher Diane Walker has made physical fitness a priority with her students, engaging them in nature runs at several surrounding tracks and parks, as well as attending the local high school track and field meets to get students excited about running.
The results have been contagious; not only do the numbers of students participating in Mighty Milers continue to grow, but several students have inspired their parents to take up running as well.
Walker, who also teaches a “Running 101” class for adults in nearby Albemarle, has had two of her students’ mothers sign up for her class already!
In conjunction with Aquadale’s Spring Carnival, Walker and her Mighty Milers invited the entire school to participate in a Student/Adult Relay last Friday.
Students paired up with parents, relatives, family friends, and older siblings to compete in the one-mile relay.
Trophies and ribbons were awarded to the top 3 finishing teams and commemorative wristbands were given to all.
Contact Dexter Hinson at (704) 982-2121 ext. 21 or by e-mail at snaponline21@carolina.rr.com
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Aquadale’s faculty and students hosted a one mile relay during their Spring Carnival to celebrate the conclusion of their second year of participation in New York Road Runner’s Mighty Milers program. All Kindergarten through fifth grade students and their families and friends participated, and at least 50 relay teams (100 people) competed in the relay last Friday evening.
Discussion
Aquadale Elementary starts Mighty Milers running club
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