The sacrifices and contributions of children to the military community were highlighted April 9 when Fort Irwin came together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Month of the Military Child.
More than 400 community members attended three events that were held concurrently at Army Field and at the multi-purpose field - Child, Youth and School Services Spring Olympics, the Children's Fair, and the Presidential Fitness Challenge. The Spring Olympics featured athletic and sport competitions for children ages eight to 18, including running, jump rope, pushups, sit-ups, and a soccer ball kick. The Olympics kicked off with 12-year-old Derrick Farmer leading a torch run from the post headquarters building.
The Children's Fair was open to all children and included a variety of events designed to get kids moving, such as sack races and an obstacle course, as well as other activities such as a petting zoo face painting. Information on healthy eating was available, and one table provided fruit for kids to snack on.
Seven-year-old Mary Fleener had a difficult time deciding which Children's Fair activity was her favorite after completing an event that required rolling a large plastic ball across the grass at Army Field.
"I liked everything," she said. "It was fun."
Jakob Coombes, 13, participated in the Spring Olympics.
"This is only my first event so far, but I'm having fun," Coombes said after completing the pushup event.
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