Carson High hosts free family fitness day

Erin Been, Carson High School health teacher, is working with local fitness organizations to present the second annual Family Fitness Fun event.

All Carson City elementary school students and their families are invited to the free fitness day from 10-noon Saturday in the Carson High School gymnasium.

"We want it to be a family event," Been said. "The parents are the ones who are going to model the behavior and encourage good habits, so we want them to be involved."

Been is working with We Can, Carson City ATA Blackbelt Academy and 6 Week Workout to plan activities and prizes.

There will be 13 stations to introduce children and their parents to a variety of activities ranging from obstacle courses, to karate, to juggling and jump roping.

"We want them to have a fun time being active," Been said. "We want to show them that it doesn't have to be something difficult, just get out there and move your body."

There will also be a nutrition station where parents and students will receive information on healthy eating and facts about sugars, fats and carbohydrates.

We Can of Carson City will provide healthy snacks and drinks. We Can (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition) is a national movement designed to help communities promote health for children 8 to 13.

Chili's Grill and Bar will also provide food for the event.

Participants will receive free T-shirts sponsored by local businesses.

Each participant will be given an activity passport that, once completed, will be entered into a drawing for prizes to include ski passes, ski equipment as well as gift certificates to local businesses.

Been said she hopes to expand the event to twice yearly.

"We just want people to know they don't have to sign up for a program or join a club," she said. "They can go for a walk, juggle, jump rope. Just come out and play instead of sitting on the couch."

Participants can register at www.carsonata.com.