Enthusiastic Families turn out for Worldwide Day of Play

By Tanya Blatz and George BourniasOctober 6, 2011

usa image
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
usa image
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. -- More than 250 people attended the 7th annual World Wide Day of Play held Sept. 24 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal Child, Youth and School Services in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Nickelodeon and Family, Morale, Welfare & Recreation, sponsored this all day event full of fun for the entire family.

The WWDP was created to encourage families to focus on health by turning off their televisions, and enjoying the outdoors while participating in family-oriented health and fitness activities. More than 150 children, along with their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles were able to participate in basketball skills challenges, kickball, relay races, Cha Cha Slide, Hokey Pokey, face painting, carnival games, moonwalks, rock climbing and team building.

"This is another great event that demonstrates the FMWR goal to promote our support of the Army Family Covenant as well as our support of the Soldier, Family & Civilian well-being Line of Effort," said Denise Ellis-Goyke, Director for FMWR who was thrilled with the turnout for the annual event.

Nancy Mitchell, CYSS Coordinator, added that, "with a great team of 50 volunteers, donations from Absopure Water and Pepperidge Farms and enthusiastic participants, the event was a true success and one that so many were able to enjoy."

CYSS' 4-H partners participated in this annual fitness event by offering dog agility demonstrations, games and volunteer assistance. Additionally, FMWR's Fitness Staff was on hand to answer questions and assist with demonstrations and exercises.

Group activities were presented by One Life Fitness. Their offerings included yoga, healthy eating discussions and Hoola hoop challenges during the event. They helped us promote the importance of stretching and eating healthy within the five food groups.

One grandparent exclaimed "It was a wonderful day as my granddaughter's favorites were the bounce houses and the dog obstacle course." A mother mentioned that "You provided a variety of games and fun and everyone had a wonderful day!"

Save the date as next year's event is planned for Sept. 22, 2012.