First lady Michelle Obama participated in a free youth soccer clinic for kids in Washington, DC on Friday, promoting soccer as a way to fight against childhood obesity. The clinic kicked off a partnership between the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. The group launched a 25-city tour that will provide the opportunity for free health screenings in addition to a free soccer clinic with the goal of emphasizing the importance of physical activity, proper diet and healthy lifestyles. They will also help connect families with local soccer programs.
Don Garber, commissioner of Major League Soccer and Sunil Gulati, President, U.S. Soccer, appeared with the first lady, as well as D.C. United players Christian Castillo, Jaime Moreno, Eddie Pope, Claudio Reyna and Washington Freedom goalkeeper Briana Scurry.
Childhood obesity is rampant all aross the country and even right here in Kansas. In the community of Rosedale, more than half of the elementary school children are overweight or obese, a rate ten times greater than the the federal government's Healthy People 2010 objective.
"This is a problem for us, and down the road it would be a bigger problem for the health of those children and health care of our area," said Jane Heide, with the Rosedale Ministerial Alliance.
Studies show that children who play organized sports, such as soccer, at an early age are more likely than non-athletes to adopt healthy habits that stick for life. The benefits of soccer abound.
- It's aerobic-during a soccer game or practice, kids get plenty of running and physical activity. Soccer's continuous action helps kids build stamina, strengthen their heart and muscles, and develop coordination.
- It's cooperative-passing the ball is essential on both offense and defense; players must communicate well and be mindful of their team members' whereabouts on the field.
- It's inclusive-over 40 million children and young people participate in the U.S.; boys and girls of all ages, shapes and sizes can play.
Best of all, it's easy to learn. Runnning and kicking a ball comes natural to kids, and the objective of kicking the ball through a goal is simple to grasp.
Comments
This is the first time I have ever since a First Lady get out and play soccer with a group of kids. Wonderful promotion. I hope parents, teachers and even managers will stand up and take part in the importance of our children's health and fitness.
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I think she is just great. Most First Ladies are in their designer suits, standing on the sideline. I love how this First Lady interact with the kids. She's my kind of lady.
Holosfitness.com is a free online fitness tool that can keep you and your family healthy. The site offers a wide array of health, fitness, and nutrition-related information.
It's true we have an obesity problem in the Rosedale neighborhood of Kansas City. But thankfully, we have the opportunity to change that. The Rosedale Ministerial Alliance, which was mentioned in the article, is the sponsor of the Healthy Kids Initiative, a community advocacy effort to fight childhood obesity. We are currently enrolling students in soccer for the spring, planting community gardens, planning for our summer farmers' market and advocating for bicycle lanes and sidewalks. More information is available on our website, www.rosedale.org/healthykidsinitiative
Thanks for the great article!
This is great! We need to promote more free ways for kids (and families) to enjoy being active.
Our school started a free program this year where we collected exercise bike donations from around town for students to ride while reading fun magazines and books. It has been a huge success!
For more information, visit: www.KidsReadAndRide.com
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