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Second Annual 1.2 Mile Walk/Run Will Showcase Wellness Initiative for AYS

To wrap up a second year of AYS, Inc.’s Stepping UP Wellness Initiative, the second annual Happy Feet 2006: AYS Micro-Mini Marathon will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2006, from 1:00-3:30 PM at American Village Retirement Community. The race will begin at 2:00 PM, following packet pick-up and warm-ups.

The 1.2 mile walk, age appropriate for the students served by AYS, is the culminating event for the year-long wellness initiative. AYS students and families, American Village residents and members of the central Indiana community are invited to participate in the event, which will include a health fair. Registration is $6 before April 25 and $10 after that date. Registration is FREE for AYS students. Participants will receive a t-shirt and water bottle.

AYS, which provides 45 before- and after-school, early childhood, and kindergarten wrap-around programs in Marion, Hamilton, Hendricks, and North Montgomery counties, received a grant from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Indiana in the fall of 2004 to begin a wellness initiative. AYS recognized the rising increase in childhood obesity and the dangerous risks associated with the phenomenon, which include diabetes, hypertension, bone and joint disorders, and low self-esteem. The initiative incorporates more physical activity and healthy snacks in AYS programs, as well as educating students, their families, and the AYS staff on healthy eating habits.

Despite unusually cold and windy conditions last year, the first annual race had a turnout of about 80 participants. AYS, in partnership with American Village, hopes to have many more participants this year. Download a registration form or call Beth Koenen-Seelbach at (317) 283-3817 x27.

Posted: 4/11/06

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© 2006 AYS, Inc.