OHO Sponsored Fitness Program for Kids in Great Shape
SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT! The Orthopedic Hospital of Oklahoma’s Captain Bones and the Oklahoma Aquarium’s Shipley the Luvabull Shark are leading families in a six-week fitness program each week near the Aquarium. Sponsored by OHO, the program is designed to introduce fitness into the family lifestyle. Approximately 150 families are participating thus far in the program.
Courtesy Orthopedic Hospital of Oklahoma
With exercises led by a shark and a pirate on the west bank of the Arkansas River just off the Jenks bridge, area children are learning getting and being fit can be a fun family affair. Each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. through May 6, The Orthopedic Hospital of Oklahoma and The Oklahoma Aquarium have teamed up for a free “Shape Up With Shipley” fitness program.
“There is a growing concern among staff and physical education teachers at Tulsa Public Schools that kids aren’t getting enough exercise which adds to the childhood obesity problem,” says Mary Ann Kingdom. “At OHO, we are seeing increased health issues with children due to lack of exercise and increased weight. We’re hoping this program gets some families headed in the right direction.”
Approximately 150 families have been participating in the fitness program that began in April with a good mix of children and adults, Kingdom says. The program includes a family walk/jog plus fun filled fitness activities led by Captain Bones, from OHO, and Shipley the Luvabull Shark, from the Oklahoma Aquarium.
“We’re hoping to see a lot of these families participate in The 2nd Annual Aquarium Run May 13.” Each participant in the program receives a rubber wristband promoting the Run which is part of the Tulsa Public School Triple Crown program. Included in this year’s run is a 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon and a One-Mile Fun Run/Walk for the entire family. Post run activities include Awards and a party at the McGraw Beach on the Aquarium campus. All run participants will receive a 2-for-1 coupon for admission to the Aquarium.
“Shape Up With Shipley” was promoted through many Tulsa and Jenks area schools, PTAs and teacher’s groups. It was developed by OHO using measurements similar to those that will be used in the Fitnessgram testing required in public schools next year. OHO is also providing teachers a condensed version of the Fitnessgram to make it easier for teachers to incorporate it into their school day.
Registration for the program is available at www.orthooklahoma.com or by calling Kingdom at (918) 477-5098. Parents and children who sign up for the program will receive a free pedometer and training information to help them include fitness in their daily routine. Those who complete the entire 6-week program will also receive a family pass to the Oklahoma Aquarium. For information about the 2nd Annual Aquarium Run, visit the Orthopedic Hospital of Oklahoma website at www.orthooklahoma.com .
Updated 04-29-2006
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