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NEWS RELEASE

06-10-03

Contacts:
Rich Engelhorn, Health & Human Performance, (515) 294-8131
Bridget Bailey, News Service, (515) 294-6881

IOWA STATE SUMMER FITNESS PROGRAM FOSTERS MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND FITNESS IN YOUTH

AMES, Iowa --An Iowa State University program is getting kids hooked on exercise.

For 18 years, the Iowa State Summer Youth Fitness Program has helped children develop positive attitudes about exercise in hopes of getting them to continue exercising throughout their lives. The program promotes physical growth and fitness, and motor skill development to children in grades K-6 through a wide variety of activities.

"We do not focus on improving skills in any one activity, like a basketball or volleyball camp," Rich Engelhorn, Iowa State associate professor of health & human performance, and director of the program, said. "Rather we promote fitness and physical activity by providing children with the opportunity to experience a wide variety of sport and fitness activities."

Engelhorn said that competition is de-emphasized as much as possible to encourage children to participate in the activities for enjoyment and fitness.

For four days a week from June 9 to July 31, local area children will take daily swimming lessons, participate in tumbling, gymnastics and creative-rhythmic movement, and play various sports, games and physical fitness activities on campus. Engelhorn said an informal structure for activities is maintained within the limits of program goals and the children's safety, and is structured according to each child's abilities, maturation, and developmental levels.

The instructors are physical educators and elementary specialists experienced in the various program activities.

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