YMCA of Greater Richmond and Bon Secours Invites Community to Exercise Minds and Bodies at YMCA Healthy Kids Day® and Walk
On Saturday, April 26, the YMCA of Greater Richmond, in partnership with Bon Secours, is holding the 5th annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day® and Walk, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being. The free event features games, healthy cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts and more to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home.
YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at nearly 1,600 Ys across the country, aims to get more kids moving and learning, so they can keep up the habit all summer long – a critical out-of-school time for kids’ health. Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year.
“One in three U.S. children is obese. This statistic, coupled with the fact that once summer hits, children will be more idle, demonstrates why it’s important to help families develop healthy habits now,” said Tim Joyce, President and CEO for the YMCA of Greater Richmond. “As part of the Y’s commitment to healthy living, through YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® and Walk our goal is to improve the health and well-being of kids and inspire habits they can continue into adulthood.”
“Bon Secours recognizes that building healthy communities means getting the community active with healthy eating habits. YMCA Healthy Kids Day® and Walk is an important step in building awareness of the importance of physical activity and eating your fruits and vegetables,” said Lucie Ferguson, Administrative Director, Community Health Advocacy.
YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® and Walk takes place at the Chester Family YMCA, Northside Family YMCA, Patrick Henry Family YMCA, Shady Grove Family YMCA – and new this year- Swift Creek Family YMCA and Woodville Community Field from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The walk begins at 12:30 p.m.
The Y also receives additional support from City of Richmond Public Schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools, Hanover County Public School and Henrico County Public Schools.
About the YMCA of Greater Richmond
The YMCA of Greater Richmond, a non-profit cause driven organization, operates 17 branches throughout metro Richmond and Petersburg, serving more than 178,000 people. Strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information, please visit www.ymcarichmond.org.
About Bon Secours Virginia Health System
Bon Secours Virginia provides good help to thousands of Virginians through a network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, ambulatory care sites and continuing care facilities across the Commonwealth. The not-for-profit health system employs about 12,000 people, including nearly 300 physicians as part of the Bon Secours Medical Group.
