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Fourth Annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge
Recipes due by April 30
From the Let's Move Blog--
The challenge invites kids ages 8-12 to join a parent or guardian in creating an original recipe that is healthy, affordable, and delicious. One winner from each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia will be selected and have the opportunity to attend a Kids’ “State Dinner” here at the White House this summer where a selection of the winning recipes will be served.
Don't forget to check out USDA’s MyPlate to ensure that your recipe meets the nutrition guidelines and incorporates each of the food groups either in one dish or as parts of a lunch meal, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy.
Visit pbs.org/lunchtimechallenge to learn more about the Heathy Lunchtime Challenge and submit your recipe by April 30.
Healthy Kids Day presented by Gator Bowl Charities
Saturday, May 2
EverBank Field
To kick-start physical activity and learning now and throughout the summer – a critical out-of-school time for kids – on Saturday, May 2, the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® presented by Gator Bowl Charities with a FREE community event for kids and families at EverBank Field. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is a national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, features activities to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home.
New this year, the YMCA of Florida's First Coast is teaming up with First Coast Kids Triathlon to celebrate with the race participants before and after they cross the finish line at EverBank Field! Also, all Healthy Kids Day participants can join in the Guinness World Record Challenge – #World’s Largest Family Boot Camp. With the first-ever Wellness Passport, kids also have a chance to earn a ticket to the 2016 Taxslayer Bowl.
Other activities include:
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Free Swim Testing Sign-ups
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Science experiment stations and shows presented by Mad Science
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Petting zoo and mobile farm market provided by Black Hog Farm
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Bike and Water Safety Stations provided by the Safe Kids Coalition
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Inflatables
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Sports Clinics
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Games
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Prizes & Giveaways
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And so much more!
First Coast Kids Triathlon
May 2 & 3, 2015
EverBank Field
Triathlon is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, which introduces kids to a healthy, positive lifestyle that encourages daily exercise, good nutrition and making the right choices. It is a sport that rewards preparation, strength, endurance and attention to detail for all levels and abilities.
Most youth athletes participate in youth-only triathlons, sometimes called "Kids Triathlons." Age categories are generally broken down into junior and senior divisions. Ages 6-10 are considered juniors and 11-15 are seniors. Distances are age appropriate and intended simply to expose our youngest triathletes to basic elements of a triathlon and give them a taste of the unique sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing.
Every triathlon consists of 4 components – swimming, biking, running and transitions. At the First Coast Kids Triathlon, kids will only race against other kids in their same age group.
Partnership with Kids Triathlon Inc:
The First Coast Kids Triathlon began in 2009 as a partnership between the YMCA of Florida First Coast and the triathlon community (Tom and Mandy Gildersleeve). In 2010, the Kids Triathlon Organization developed it’s own 501c3 separate from the YMCA for more flexibility in funding and event management. Since the inception of the event, the Y’s role in the partnership is to facilitate triathlon training programs for kids, recruit volunteers and assist with event management.
Each YMCA branch, across the 5 county service area, host a 7-week triathlon program for kids ages 6-15 free of charge (fills up every year). YMCA Wellness staff, certified swim instructors and YMCA dietitians lead the training program. In addition to training over 300 kids at the Y-branches, the YMCA is highly involved in volunteer recruitment, event planning and serves on the race organization committee. In 2013 alone, 2,500 hours of healthy activity was spent by children preparing for the event.
Event finishers in Jacksonville
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2009 Year 1: 550 kids
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2010 Year 2: 875 kids
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2011 Year 3: 1,243 Kids
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2012 Year 4: 1,682 Kids
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2103 Year 5: 1,800 Kids *date change due to weather
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2014 Year 6: 2,000 est.
As a vital part of the partnership, the YMCA is the major beneficiary of the event. Kids Triathlon Inc. supports the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast Y Annual Campaign with a $10,000 gift generated from the event.
Due to the tremendous success of the partnership on the First Coast, in 2011 Kids Triathlon Inc. duplicated this event in Nashville partnering with the Nashville YMCA and the local NFL team. In 2012 this was duplicated yet again in 6 major YMCA and NFL cities across the country (Jacksonville, Houston, New England, Nashville, Atlanta and Colorado).
To learn more, visit www.firstcoastkidstriathlon.com & www.firstcoastymca.org.
My30
One in three Americans is now classified obese. To curb this growing problem, the YMCA's My30 campaign is designed to inspire people to become more physically active through an online community centered on healthy living. We all need 150 minutes of physical activity each week. That’s at least 30 minutes, five times a week. Whether it’s working out at the Y or going for a run outside, everyone can get their 30 each day.
For more information, visit My30 at firstcoastymca.org.