Healthy Kids Day Presented by SOS Kicks off a Summer of Fun

Child vaulting at Healthy Kids day

The YMCA of Central New York’s Healthy Kids Day presented by SOS took place at the MOST (500 S. Franklin St.) on June 6th and featured fun, active play and educational activities, such as an inflatable slide and gaga pit, basketball and soccer skills challenge, an obstacle course, food trucks, and much more, including all of the wonderful exhibits within the MOST.

“The past year has been very difficult for all, especially our youth. Healthy Kids Day provides an opportunity for kids to be kids by providing the necessary ingredients that support a healthy mind, body and spirit,” said Jack Korzyp, Associate Executive Director of the Hal Welsh East Area Family YMCA and one of the organizers of the event. “It’s our unofficial kickoff to summer providing an outlet for active play and a time to celebrate the importance of physical activity, healthy food, curiosity and most important, laughter and fun.”

We’d like to thank all of our Healthy Kids Day sponsors, including naming sponsor Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists along with G&C Foods, SECNY, United Healthcare, and WellNow for making this event possible.

Healthy Kids Day, now in its 29th year, is the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. The Y hopes to use the day to get more kids moving and learning, creating healthy habits they can continue while they’re away from the classroom. When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that without access to out-of-school learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. Following a year filled with numerous changes and uncertainty, Healthy Kids Day is a reminder to families that we can help ensure all children have access to the key ingredients to reach their full potential, even during out-of-school time.

View more photos from the day