In a world where video games, computers, and cell phones are replacing bike rides and capture the flag, it's not surprising that our children are not reaching recommended levels of physical activity. Nearly 10 million children and adolescents in the United States ages 6 to 19 are considered overweight, and one of the factors having a dramatic impact is physical activity - or lack thereof. Even First Lady Michelle Obama has gotten involved, joining in the Let's Move campaign - America's Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids. "Exercise is not an option," Obama said during a recent interview with AOL Health senior editor Jennifer Fields. "For our kids to be successful academically, they need to be successful physically."
Running, as well as other sports, helps kids gain health and maturity, inspiring self-respect and sportsmanship. Rivermont Collegiate is hosting a unique cross country event on Saturday, Oct. 16th for runners in grades 5-8. This exciting event will have athletes completing a 2 mile course around the Rivermont campus - featuring varied terrain of grass and pavement. Rivermont is located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi, so there will be challenging hills, as well! Over 30 students from local Quad City Conference schools will be participating, with volunteers directing them around the unique course. The race begins at 9:00 a.m., with check-in beginning at 8:15 a.m. Rivermont is located at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf, directly off 18th Street behind K & K Hardware. Join us to cheer on these young runners as they rise to the challenge!
For more information on the Let's Move! campaign, visit www.letsmove.gov
For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.
Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, non-sectarian PS-12th grade college preparatory school. Visit us online at www.rvmt.org!
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