GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas—Children jump rope during one of the stations at the fifth annual Kids’ Fun Day at the Little League baseball field, Feb. 8. More than 100 youths participated in the health awareness event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jessica Keith)
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas—A child bounces her way down the final leg of an obstacle course during the fifth annual Kids’ Fun Day at the Little League baseball field, Feb. 8. Hosted by the Youth Center, the event promotes children’s health and nutrition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jessica Keith)
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas—Kathy Viau, 17th Medical Group dietitian, shows youths how much sugar is in common snack foods and drinks during the fifth annual Kids’ Fun Day at the Little League baseball field, Feb. 8. More than 100 children participated in the health awareness event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jessica Keith)
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas—Children create their own healthy snacks during the final station of the Kids’ Fun Day at the Youth Center Feb. 8. The annual event focuses on teaching youth life-long healthy fitness and nutritional habits. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jessica Keith)
by Airman Jessica Keith
17th Training Wing Public Affairs
2/13/2013 - GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The fifth annual Kids' Fun Day took place at the Youth Center, Feb. 8.
The half-day event focuses on teaching children to be physically active, eat nutritiously and encourages parents to get involved in making physical activities fun.
The program was originally started by Mathis Fitness Center, but is now lead by Omar Matos, Youth Center sports and fitness director.
Matos said he coordinates with the fitness center and the base dietitian to create an educational and fun environment.
This year, the event consisted of several stations including: jump rope, an obstacle course, tennis and a make your own snack station.
The event was open to children ages seven to 14 and strives to teach healthy habits early.
"We're trying to teach the children how important it is to stay fit," Matos said. "Having a fit body aids a fit mind. If we don't get our kids involved in fitness now, they won't know how to stay fit later in their lives."
Kids Fun Day also poses an opportunity for parents to take an active role in their children's fitness.
"Many of the volunteers today have their children here as well," Matos said. "It's great for them to be involved. Children tend to take interest in what their parents are interested in, so having them here sets a great example for the children to follow."
Senior Master Sgt. Tarah Baxley, 17th Training Wing Airman Leadership School commandant, brought her daughter Skylar, 10, to the event and volunteered at several stations.
"It opened Skylar's eyes to different activities she might like to pursue," Baxley said. "I volunteered to help because I want to be there to support my daughter. Today's youths are spending more time playing video games and watching television than they are being active and I don't want that for her."
Baxley said the event gave her a chance to foster her daughter's competitiveness in a healthy way.
"I want her to be competitive, but I also stress that it's not how you place in an activity that's important," she added. "The important thing is that you put forth your best effort.
