Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. Childhood obesity is now the No. 1 health concern among parents in the U.S., topping drug abuse and smoking, according to the American Heart Association.
With a common goal to better the lives of today’s youth through health and wellness, over 2,000 participants are expected to walk, run or paddle board on January 20th for FLIPANY’s (Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth) 12th Annual Fun Run on January 20th.
Last year, more than $14,000 was raised at the event for programs including childhood weight management intervention, nutrition education, dietary counseling, promotion of physical activity, structured exercise and family behavioral modification.
LITE 101.5 FM’s Julie Guy and Evelyn Curry will return to co-host and the Miami HEAT Dancers will be on hand to kick off the festivities beginning at 7:30 am, with registration opening at 6. Courses are both 5k and 10k kicking off at Hollywood North Beach Park.
Additional sponsorships are still available and anyone can donate a raffle item, create a fundraising team, make a donation or sponsor a child. Contact Angie Rodriguez at arodriguez@flipany.org or 954-636-2388 for information.
Cost to enter the event, which includes a natural juice bar, free kids’ activities at the Fun Run Kids’ Zone, vendor tables/health fair, silent auction/raffle and much more, is $15 for children under 18; $35 for adults who pre-register and $45 on race day. Paddle Boarding is $45 in advance and $50 at the event.
Participants can register individually or create a team with friends and co-workers. Proceeds will help end childhood obesity through evidence-based curriculums and programs that focus on improving the health and wellness of overweight/obese children and their families, as well as preventing heart disease and diabetes.
Participants can get a FREE registration plus some extra goodies by signing up for FLIPANY’s $20 for 20 Program, donating $20 a month to ensure a child has a nutritious meal after school for a month.
The race provides a great opportunity for individuals, companies or community programs to become part of the solution in ending childhood obesity.
For more information, visit www.FLIPANY.org.
The Fun Run will take place at Hollywood North Beach Park (3601 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood, FL 33019) on Jan. 20th. To register for the event, please go to www.FLIPANYFUNRUN.org.
For more information about the event and/or sponsorships, donations and more, call Angie Rodriguez at arodriguez@flipany.org or 954-636-2388.
