Portage YMCA Celebrates Healthy Kids Day 2015

Children and families poured into the Portage YMCA on Saturday for Healthy Kids Day 2015. Healthy Kids Day is a worldwide initiative by YMCA USA to try and get kids motivated to stay fit and healthy going into the summer months. While most locations, like Portage, were holding their day of celebration today, several other YMCA locations across the world will host Healthy Kids Day throughout the rest of April and May.

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With appearances by Batman, Elsa, and Rusty the Railcat, and the opportunity to play in two bouncy houses while dancing to music from a DJ, there was no shortage of activities for the kids to participate in! Young girls competed in ultracompetitive hoola hoop contests, crowds watched young dancers perform in full costume, and children filtered in and out of the face painting booth all afternoon. Parents also had the opportunity to meander around the various booths set up, ranging from Chase Banking to a personal masseuse!

Portage YMCA Marketing Coordinator Carol Crowe was thrilled to see the turnout of both kids and parents alike.

"We're just here to teach kids how to live a healthy life, especially going into Summer!" Crowe said enthusiastically, "They can stay involved in things that are better for their overall wellness, and today we have examples of positive activities like martial arts, boot camp, our bouncy house, or dance!"

Jazzercise instructor Jennifer Smolnicky expressed her appreciation and excitement about Healthy Kids Day as well. "What I find most enjoyable about a day like today is having the opportunity to talk to kids and adults about a fitness routine they may be unfamiliar with," Smolnicky explained. "Some people have no idea that these junior jazzercise classes designed just for kids exist, and that's something we would love to do with the Y."

As the summer months approach, there's no doubt that the Portage Y has more than plenty of activities to keep the kids in the community active and healthy. Youth education on leading a healthy life is so important, and Healthy Kids Day is a shining example of people taking the right initiative to get the best message for kids and parents out there in our communities.