The University of Mary Harold Shafer Leadership Academy students, the YMCA and GO! Bismarck Mandan are once again partnering to sponsor Healthy Families Fun Night on Saturday, January 29 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the YMCA. The night will be filled with activities including kickball, dodge ball, jump-for-heart, inflatables and open swim from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and pool games from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring your swimsuit! There will also be face painting, bean bag tosses, health education and coloring, with a special CPR presentation at 7:30 p.m. Please enter at the East entrance.
The event is free and open to families and kids pre-school to 6th grade from the Bismarck-Mandan area. Children must be accompanied by an adult to come and play at the YMCA! For more information visit www.bismarckymca.org or call 255-1525. See you January 29 at the YMCA!
Leadership Academy teacher Tanya Smith says “I am so excited for the Healthy Families Night event! Our Leadership Academy students have all been working hard within the different groups to plan a successful and fun time for the families of the Bismarck Mandan community.” We strive to teach children and families the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, while creating a safe and fun atmosphere for learning and relationship building.”
“The YMCA is firmly committed to healthy living, youth development and social responsibility, and Health Families Night is an important fun, free, event that we host each year together with the University of Mary Emerging Leaders Academy,” said Bill Bauman, YMCA Operations Director. “This event is also endorsed by our local community coalition, Go! Bismarck Mandan.”
“The prevalence of youth obesity has over tripled in the last 20 years and is a threat to our communities and families. We must find ways to get our youth and families active and eating smarter. This event provides healthy examples for our community’s families, and as a result of events like this, we hope that families are changing their lifestyles, becoming more active and making healthier choices,” said Bauman. The YMCA offers many healthy programs and exercise options and recently added a free after school program for children, ages 8-12, with daily healthy activities such as circuit fitness classes and the Mighty Milers walking, running, and exercise program.