OCCC’s Fun and Fit energizes youth
By Daniel Martin, Staff Writer
A recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey states that the proportion of overweight 12- to 19-year-old children has tripled from 5 percent in the early ’60s to 15 percent in 2000.
OCCC’s Afternoon Fun and Fit program has taken a stand to help tame the epidemic of obesity in children. It is a problem that most may not be familiar with but that is slowly moving its to the forefront of today’s news.
The camp for boys and girls ages 6 to 12, is from 1 to 5 p.m. and consists of fun Physical Education activities in the gym, swim time, and adventurous outdoor activities that promote health, wellness and physical fitness.
Fun and Fit coach Ty Porter said, “It’s great for the kids, they need to be active, sweating, having fun and out playing, instead of on the couch all day.”
“We play basketball, dogdeball, volleyball, and all sorts of “tag your out” games that get the kids up and moving. Children seem to love all the activities,” Porter said.
They love all the games especially dodge ball he said, “That’s why we use it as the last game. The kids work hard all day, run laps and break a sweat, but they love it because they get dodge ball at the end of the day.”
Overweight children are at a greater risk for many serious health problems and there are statistics to prove it.
Porter said that is exactly why the camp leaders are trying to help.
“We want to keep them enthused, active, and running around all over the place instead of sitting in front of a computer or television screen” he said, “Overall it is exactly what they need at their age.”
The Afternoon Fun and Fit camp is continuing through the end of July and the cost is $40. For more information, call Recreation and Sports Specialist Eric Watson at 405-682-1611, ext. 7786.
Staff Writer Daniel Martin can be reached at StaffWriter3@occc.edu.
