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- April 2, 2009
HEALTHY KIDS, HEALTHY SCHOOLS
On Tuesday, April 7, two-hundred eighty children, ages 3-6, from the Appoquinimink Early Childhood Center (540 Broad Street, Middletown, DE 19709) will be taking part in a special fitness initiative.
The youngsters will walk from their school to nearby Billings Memorial Stadium where they will ice skate in an outdoor ice rink specially constructed for the event, run through a giant inflatable obstacle course, dance to the music of DJ Jammin Jeff, participate in soccer relays and more as they raise money for their school.
Children will be working to sign up sponsors who will reward their participation with a donation to the school. The PTA hopes to raise as much as $3,000 which will be used for educational supplies, family workshops, events and trips in the upcoming year. But every child, whether or not he/she has sponsors, will enjoy this day of outdoor activity.
Local stores and community groups have offered a variety of incentives -- including pool and soccer memberships, bicycles, scooters and skating lessons -- which will be raffled off to our young participants.
PTA President Gina Plunto explains, "I think everyone is aware of the rising incidence of childhood obesity and diabetes. In kindergarten, we have daily recess, but no gym. So when our PTA looked at ideas for supporting our school, we decided to develop an event that underscored the importance of healthy kids, healthy schools, and healthy communities for us all."
Two sessions of activities will take place. The first round will occur from 9:40 a.m. until 11:40 a.m. with approximately half of the school's students participating in healthy relays at the stadium. The second wave of children will arrive for an afternoon session from 12:40-2:40 p.m.
The Appoquinimink Early Childhood Center PTA offers thanks and gratitude to the following donors:
Mobile Ice Skating Rink -- Skate Unlimited located in the Cricklewood Shopping Center
Obstacle Course Bouncy -- ineedrentals.com
DJ -- Jammin Jeff is donating his time.
Silver Lake Pool memberships -- The Town of Middletown
Soccer Memberships -- MOT Soccer
Bicycles -- Walmart
Birthday Party with Skating Lessons -- Skate Unlimited
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