Fit for Bloomsday gets kids moving

There are a few more weeks of bitter winter weather ahead, but area elementary schools are already looking toward spring and the launch of a new season of the Fit for Bloomsday … Fit for Life youth fitness program.

Nearly 60 schools and 5,000 kids are expected to participate in the popular program, which motivates children to start walking, jogging and running to get in shape.

Schools have until Jan. 29 to sign up for the program, which is sponsored again by Subway and Riverfront Park.

“Fit For Bloomsday is a bright spot in the youth fitness picture,” said Jeff Reed, a Bloomsday board member. “While the national news about youth fitness is often discouraging, this program continues to have an impact on the fitness of youngsters in the Spokane region.”

Fit For Bloomsday was developed by Bloomsday volunteers in cooperation with physical education instructors, coaches and parents in the Spokane area. The Lilac Bloomsday Association and the program sponsors provide information, materials, structure and incentives for the 8- to 10-week program, which is administered by school personnel and volunteers.

Now in its 21st year, the program prepares the kids to run or walk Bloomsday while teaching them the importance of fitness, nutrition and safety.

Schools can sign up for Fit for Bloomsday by downloading an application form from Bloomsday’s Web site – www.bloomsdayrun.org – and returning it to the Bloomsday office by Jan. 29