More than 1,200 students from across Dallas are stepping it up in the Dallas Mayor’s Youth Fitness Initiative’s first-ever Pedometer Challenge. MyFi chair Mayor Mike Rawlings, his staff and some City leaders have pledged to join the 10,000 steps per day challenge.
“This challenge presents a fun and creative way for our MyFi kids to practice healthy behaviors and learn about the importance of walking and becoming more active,” said Crystal Ross, City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department district manager. “The pedometers serve as excellent motivation for the kids—they want to move more, play more, run more—they are thrilled to watch their numbers increase as they get more active.”
The weeklong Pedometer Challenge, recommended by The Cooper Institute, is one of many activities that MyFi has designed to help tackle the childhood obesity epidemic facing Dallas youth. Participants will wear their pedometers all day throughout the week and are being challenged to reach 10,000 steps daily. In addition to City of Dallas Recreation Center participants, six Dallas ISD elementary schools and nine local nonprofit organizations will also take part in the challenge as part of MyFi’s High-Five grant program.
Results of the pedometer challenge will be announced at Get Kidz Fit Fest, on April 27, 2013 at Dallas Market Hall. Get Kidz Fit is a free, fitness and nutrition festival where families learn ways to make healthy food choices and practice active lifestyles. The sixth annual Get Kidz Fit is expected to draw 5,000 attendees from across the Dallas area. For more information, please visit the Get Kidz Fit website or MyFi’s Facebook page.
