BLOOMINGTON - The Pantagraph wants to help families get healthy. | Photo gallery | Fit kids page

Today starts a nearly yearlong initiative called Fit Kids that will include stories and other information throughout the newspaper examining the issue of childhood obesity/fitness; offering tips on such things as affordable and healthy gifts, counting calories, and practicing good nutrition; and encouraging participation in some great community events.

Each Monday, activities related to the topic will be highlighted in the Pantagraph's Life section under the Fit Kids logo that also will be used with stories about becoming healthy and keeping your family fit.

Everything, plus additional stories and information, will be posted on our Web site at www.pantagraph.com/fitkids.

"When we began talking about this, it became clear that for kids to become more fit, their parents needed to be involved," said Editor Mark Pickering. "You can't expect a 10-year-old boy to maintain a regular fitness routine, like riding his bike every other day for 45 minutes. He needs his mom or dad to be there with him. And, it has to be fun. That's what Fit Kids is all about."

But providing useful information is just part of the project.

On Feb. 9, the Pantagraph will sponsor its second Kids Expo at Bloomington's Interstate Center. A variety of community agencies will team up to offer lots of fun ways for kids and their families to keep moving on a cold winter day. It's the start of a series of community Fit Kids-related events that will continue into fall.

In late March, the YWCA will host a free Get Moving Morning at the facility at 1201 N. Hershey Road, Bloomington.

"Why watch cartoons when you can spend the morning at the YWCA McLean County?" said Laura Kowalczyk, director of marketing and communications for the YWCA.

Families also will get lots of ideas on keeping active in the summer when the Bloomington and Normal parks and recreation departments partner to offer free events during an entire week in June. Families will be able to take part in activities at the Children's Discovery Museum, swim at city pools or skate at the public ice rink. Other events are in the works, so watch for more details.

"We are pleased to be participating in the kids' fitness initiative by the Pantagraph," said Normal Parks and Recreation Director Garry Little, adding, "We look forward to cooperating with Bloomington in providing programs and facilities to help keep our kids active."

Before kids head back to school, they can go to "Roar in the Park" at Bloomington's Miller Park and play on the new playground and sprinkler "spray" ground. The event is planned for August. More details will be coming later.

There will be other community events for families, too.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation is planning a Family Fitness Day at White Oak Park in May. In September, the community will celebrate its second World Wide Day of Play with more activities designed to get kids moving. Last year's four events drew thousands of Central Illinois families.

The play initiative was started four years ago when Nickelodeon, the popular children's television network, partnered with the American Heart Association, the Bill Clinton Foundation and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in an effort to get children to go outside and play.

Fit Kids is committed to making kids and their parents healthier, so don't hesitate to contact us about an activity or event that will keep Central Illinois families moving.

Let's get fit

Following is the list of community events - so far - organized in conjunction with Fit Kids. New events and details will be released closer to the date of each event.

• Feb. 9: Kids Expo at the Interstate Center; sponsored by the Pantagraph

• Late March: Get Moving Morning at the YWCA, Bloomington; sponsored by the 'Y"

• May 17: Family Fitness Day at White Oak Park, Bloomington; sponsored by the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department.

• June: Twin Cities Community Fitness Week, a week-long series of events at various locations; sponsored by the Normal and Bloomington parks departments.

• August: Roar in the Park at Miller Park, Bloomington; sponsored by the Pantagraph

• September: World Wide Day of Play, various locations; coordinated by the Children's Discovery Museum, Normal.