YMCA Helps Children Put the Play in Their Day

LAS VEGAS — To show children that fitness can be fun, 1,400 YMCAs offered a free day of activities designed to promote healthy kids and communities.

The Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA staff invited cheerleaders, break dancers and Tae Kwan Do experts to perform for the 15th annual Healthy Kids Day April 12. The Las Vegas Y promoted its children's programming such as Kids' Hip Hop, teen strength training and Tae Kwan Do. As part of its $3 million renovation, the Y is building a rock climbing wall as well as a kids' gym.

“We want the children to be able to exercise while their parents are working out,” said Michelle Campbell, Y fitness coordinator.

The Y of Pittsburgh celebrated the day at the University of Pittsburgh's Petersen Events Center. The national event was part of the Y's Activate America initiative, which strives to develop community-based solutions to improve Americans' health and wellness.