Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is set to host its annual Health and Fitness Festival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Northwest Middle School, 5525 W. 34th St.
This free, family-friendly event, organized by the IPS Family Academy, aims to promote health, wellness and community engagement across the district.
The festival will feature a variety of activities suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including free workout classes, information on district-wide health initiatives, sports and club opportunities, interactive vendor booths and giveaways. Attendees interested in participating in health and fitness classes are required to sign a waiver upon arrival.
This initiative comes at a critical time, as health and wellness remain pressing concerns in Indiana. According to the 2024 Health of Women and Children Report, Indiana ranks 21st in the nation for the prevalence of overweight and obese children, with 29.9% of children considered either overweight or obese. In Marion County, which includes Indianapolis, childhood obesity has increased by 44% from 2014 to 2022, with more than 23% of girls and over 26% of boys classified as obese.
The importance of health education and wellness programs in schools cannot be overstated. Schools play a vital role in shaping children’s health habits and attitudes by providing nutritious meals, encouraging physical activity, teaching mindfulness techniques and promoting social-emotional health. Research indicates that health promotion in schools can improve both students’ well-being and their academic achievements, creating a virtuous cycle of health and learning.
To learn more and register, visit myips.org/blog/district/family-academy-health-fitness-festival/.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
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thanks