YMCA of Central Florida Invites Families to “Awaken Summer Imagination” on Healthy Kids Day®

The 27th annual event, which will be held April 21, is open to the public and will include family-friendly activities ORLANDO, FLA. (April X, 2018) – The YMCA of Central Florida is welcoming all families from across the region to swing by their neighborhood Y on Saturday, April 21 for a day of fun activities at its 27th annual Healthy Kids Day^®. Healthy Kids Day is the Y-USA’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids by inspiring them to keep their minds and bodies active during the summer. The daytime event is open to the public and will feature wholesome activities including games, health screenings, and sports and group exercise demos. Attendees will also be able to sign up their kids for summer camp, youth sports and complimentary swim-safety lessons during Safety Around Water Week. YMCA of Central Florida Family Centers participating in this year’s event include the following:

·         Avalon Park YMCA	·         Osceola County YMCA
·         Blanchard Park YMCA	·         Oviedo YMCA
·         Cocoa YMCA	·         Roper YMCA
·         Downtown Orlando YMCA	·         South Orlando YMCA
·         Dr. P. Phillips YMCA	·         Tangelo Park YMCA
·         Frank DeLuca YMCA	·         Titusville YMCA
·         Golden Triangle YMCA	·         Wayne Densch YMCA
·         J. Douglas Williams YMCA	·         Winter Park YMCA
·         Lake Nona YMCA

  When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that when kids leave school for the summer, they are more prone to fall behind in school and to gain weight. This learning loss is more pronounced among students from low-income families who may not be able to afford access to out-of-school learning activities. As spring turns to summer, Healthy Kids Day is a powerful reminder not to let children idle away their summer days. Instead, the Y wants families to focus on charging kids up with enthusiasm for themselves and their potential. “At the Y, we are dedicated to providing every child, regardless of their background, with the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Dan Wilcox, CEO of the YMCA of Central Florida. “We look forward to welcoming families from all the communities we serve out for a day of fun-filled activities and empowering them to stay active in Spirit, Mind and Body.” To help families and kids start their summer off on the right foot, the YMCA of Central Florida will be offering half-off summer camp registration fees, youth sports and aquatics programs to all new members who join at the event. Hours and activities for Healthy Kids Day will vary by location. For more information, visit ymcacf.org/healthy-kids-day-2018.   ###   About the YMCA of Central Florida The YMCA of Central Florida is one of the area’s largest nonprofits, serving more than 415,000 Central Floridians per year through a focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. With a Christian-based mission to improve lives and communities, it operates 22 YMCA locations across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake and Marion counties. This mission is expanded beyond the four walls of the Y through community-based programs to combat chronic disease, boost children’s after-school safety and learning, and strengthen fragile families.