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Fourth-graders perform exercises on jump boxes during a Nutrition Olympics activity at Ben Hulse Elementary School in Imperial on Thursday. (JOSELITO VILLERO PHOTO / February 14, 2013) |
IMPERIAL — More than 100 fourth-grade students at Ben Hulse Elementary School took part in various exercises meant to promote healthy living at the school’s first Nutrition Olympics held here Thursday.
“We’ve been running around a lot and learning to eat healthy,” said Kailee Amparan, a 10-year-old fourth-grader. “It’s all really fun.”
The Nutrition Olympics featured activities such as tug-of-war, relay races, a jump rope competition and more.
For Daniel Mendenhall, the wheelbarrow race turned out to be his favorite event.
“We didn’t win but it was still fun,” said Daniel, a 10-year-old fourth-grader. “The box jumping was fun too.”
In addition to educating students on healthy habits and the dangers of using drugs, the event exposed students to professionals from the El Centro Sector Border Patrol and the Imperial County Health Department.
“We partner with the Health Department to bring the Nutrition Olympics to schools in the Valley,” said Border Patrol Agent Christine Bosch. “This event is fun for us because we get to socialize with the kids and show them that exercising can be fun.”
One of the activities most of the students seemed excited to try was the mock Border Patrol physical fitness test, Bosch said.
“Having the fitness test here helps the students see the benefits of living healthy lives in a real world situation,” Bosch said.
The event also allowed parents to witness the array of activities, which was especially exciting for Sara Anaya.
“My daughter kept begging me to come,” Anaya, an Imperial resident, said in Spanish. “I think it’s great to see all the students engaging in fun activities outside because a lot of today’s kids just like playing with their electronic toys.”
While most students enjoyed the time outside of class, fourth-grade teacher Heather Groth said they were learning the entire time.
“This is a more hands-on approach to the lessons they are learning in class,” Groth said. “It may feel like a long recess to them, but hopefully we are introducing them to healthy habits they will carry for the rest of their lives.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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