Riverbend Preparatory Academy wants to lead the community in being role models for our children. The Riverbend weight-loss challenge will be an 8-week challenge open to the public that kicks off on February 8, 2013 in the Riverbend gymnasium (5625 S. 51st Ave). Contestants will be eligible for free workshops, special offers and prizes.

Families can register at a discounted rate for the Spartan Kids race at the McDowell Mountain Regional Park on February 9 and 10. The event kicks off at noon both days. The Spartan Kids race is the ultimate kid-friendly obstacle course consisting of 10-20 challenges where each child gets a t-shirt and finisher’s medal. It features obstacles such as mud pits, tunnel crawls and balance beams with a one-mile race for Varsity Spartans and half mile race for Junior Spartans. All proceeds from the Spartan Kids race benefit the Kids Fit Foundation.

Kids Fit National Spokespeople and mother and son duo Dan and Jackie Evans have been advocates fighting childhood obesity especially for at-risk youth. The pair lost a combined total of 225 pounds. Together, they will be cheering on adults and children alike running, climbing and crawling their way to the finish-line. They will also be team captions of The Biggest Loser RunWalk heat going off at 9:15am.

“It’s so important to us to be actively fighting childhood obesity,” said Jackie Evans. “Dan was a 310 pound teen and I was the mom that didn’t know what she was doing wrong. Taking part in fitness events like the Spartan Kids race is a great way to make fitness fun. I’m hoping we can inspire families to live a happy, healthy lifestyle.”

Riverbend’s Principal, Mr. Hattrick, states, “this is a great opportunity to partner with Dan & Jackie and be role models for our children. This event will also serve as a fundraiser to remodel the gym to become a more user-friendly space for children and the community to remain healthy.”
For more information about the Spartan Kids race, please visit www.spartanrace.com.