Other website sections

»Sports Market Reports

»Sports Jobs

»Tenders

»Directory

»Conferences

Approximately 4,400 kids in the Chicago Park District gymnastics program will get a healthy start for 2009 by participating in the Tyson Fitness Challenge, a local six-week fitness initiative geared to help yesterday's youth achieve active, healthy lifestyles. USA Gymnastics partnered with Chicago 2016, World Sport Chicago and the Chicago Park District to hold the community-based activity to help promote the upcoming Tyson American Cup, scheduled for Feb. 21 at the Sears Centre Arena in the Chicagoland area. The Tyson Fitness Challenge also supports Chicago 2016's efforts to enhance youth sport programming through its legacy organization, World Sport Chicago, and its bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

USA Gymnastics is working with coaches in the Chicago Park District to incorporate the fitness program into its gymnastics curriculum. The Tyson Fitness Challenge focuses on four fundamental components: cardiovascular exercise, strength training, flexibility and nutrition. Each of these is critical to developing a strong fitness base for everyone, not only those in the sport of gymnastics, but also those participating in other sports and activities.

"The Tyson Fitness Challenge will offer Chicago's youth a chance to get into shape after the holidays and learn more about healthy choices that can become habits for years to come," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "Fitness is an important part of everyone's life, and gymnastics basics build the foundation for kids to participate in a variety of activities."

"As the living legacy of Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, World Sport Chicago's mission is to increase the accessibility of sport to Chicago's youth," said Bill Scherr, chairman of World Sport Chicago. "Programs like the Tyson Fitness Challenge are an ideal way to teach sport and health in a fun and safe environment that will help kids understand the need to incorporate healthy actions into their lives."

The Tyson Fitness Challenge kicks off this week and runs through the week of Feb. 16. To find a Chicago Park District gymnastics program, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

"The Chicago Park District is pleased to partner with Tyson Foods, USA Gymnastics and World Sport Chicago to promote fitness to young people," said Parks Superintendent Timothy J. Mitchell. "It is important for children to understand the benefits of exercise and good eating habits to build a foundation for life long wellness."

"Encouraging our youth to become more physically active and teaching them the important role protein plays in a balanced diet are the main goals of the Tyson Fitness Challenge," said Dave Hogberg of Tyson Foods. "We are proud to have the Tyson Fitness Challenge included in the community outreach for the Tyson American Cup."

The Tyson Fitness Challenge in the Chicago Park District is part of a national program that is held in gymnastics clubs across the country throughout the year. In addition, the national Tyson Fitness Challenge is the vehicle for the gymnastics community to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network as part of annual celebrations for National Gymnastics Day. In just eight years, the gymnastics family has raised more than $1 million for the Children's Miracle Network. National Gymnastics Day for 2009 is Sept. 12.

(Source: AIPS)