Community Development Recreation (CD-REC) offered children from the Citizens for Citizens and YMCA after-school day care programs, as well as children from the community who were on winter school vacation, the chance to participate in a program of vigorous activity on February 23, 2011. According to national surveys, children do not get the recommended hour of physical play that can help to reduce rates of overweight and obesity. Under the direction of program director Jamison Souza, about 75 children were challenged to move with hula hoops, parachutes running games and calisthenics for the first hour of the three-hour event. Parents and adult staff were also invited to join in ten minutes of dancing to The Macarena at the beginning to model physical activity. "Everybody has a great time," noted Souza, "because this is not a competition. We just want the kids to have fun moving."  For a video of the event, click here. To see last year's event, click here. For more information about the programs that CD-REC offers, call 508-679-0922 or e-mail Mr. Souza.

(Top row) CD-REC program director Jamison Souza challenges the children to do push-ups and a "back-pedal" exercise. (Middle row, left) Hannah is so comfortable doing the hula-hoop that she stands with her arms folded while she does it for five minutes at a time. (Middle row, right) Children go through a series of stretches and hand motions. (Bottom row, left and right) Student leader Taylor Burns, in the red top, leads another group in the "back-pedal" exercise. (Bottom row, center) Student leader _______________ instructs students to fling balls suspended by a parachute.