Many Indianapolis residents remember field day as a time in their childhood where they got the chance to run on the fields, play games such as three-line basketball and engage with friends outside of the classroom.
Residents will soon get a chance to reflect on their childhood on Aug. 22 as The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper and City-County Council President Maggie Lewis have joined forces with Playworks Indiana to present Family Field & Fitness Day.
“The minority community and those that are economically challenged often suffer disproportionately from medical issues surrounding childhood obesity, high cholesterol, and other related problems,” said Recorder president Shannon Williams. “A lot of that is due to a lack of healthy food options as well as practical education on how to implement physical activity into our daily lives. Family Field & Fitness Day is a great example of how families can get together and make fitness fun, It doesn’t take any money or a ton of equipment, just time and a commitment to building a legacy of health.”
Maggie Lewis agrees.
“Families that live an active lifestyle set a good example for their children. If a child watches his or her mom and dad paying attention to their diet and incorporating exercise into their daily routines, they will be inspired to do the same,” said Lewis. “Also, physical activity is an opportunity for family time and creating memories that will last a lifetime.”
Held at Washington Park, 3130 E. 30th St. from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. attendees will receive free admission, enjoy classic field day and recess games, healthy snacks and tunes from DJ Thomas Sparklesoxx Griffin.
The event hopes to encourage a healthy lifestyle for families, including incorporating more exercise and nutritious foods.
Marc McAleavey, executive director of Playworks Indiana said by participating in this event, the organization is moving closer to their vision of every child in Indianapolis getting a chance to play everyday.
“Most of Playworks’ programming is focused in elementary schools. We know that the kids in the schools we serve take what they learn about play and activity back to their living rooms, front porches, sidewalks and alleys. However, we don’t have many opportunities to play with entire families. The more families play together, the more kids play.”
According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, only 1- in -3 children are physically active every day and less than 5 percent of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention finds the leading cause of death for African-Americans are heart disease, cancer and stroke, all items where risk factors can be decreased with healthy eating and exercise.
McAleavey said attendees should expect to have a great time during the event.
“There will be tons of high fives, laughter, encouragement, and activity – no matter of your ability or where you are in your journey,” he said.
