For three decades, YMCA locations across the country have hosted a spring event that aims to inspire children and their families to get and stay active – especially as the summer break from school approaches. Called Healthy Kids Day, each location creates fun activities for the young patrons in the community and Hilltop YMCA officials estimated that over 100 children and their families walked through their doors on April 29 to participate in the festivities. In addition to building obstacles courses, hosting a cheer clinic, and having a number of local organizations on hand to give information on ways to improve their overall health and well-being, the Hilltop YMCA was also the site of a Jr. NBA Skills Competition that saw more than 20 individuals score high enough to snag a spot to compete at the national level later this summer. Youth experience director Latoyia Mosley said the staff always look forward to curating a special Healthy Kids Day for the community as it can go a long way toward sparking a life-long love of being active physically and mentally curious about the world around you. Among the educational booths that were set up at the location was the Ohio State University’s Level One Trauma Center where representatives spoke about the importance of brain health and wearing protective gear while riding a bicycle. Here, student Elaine Smith places a new helmet on soon-to-be avid bike rider Isaiah Baker, 4.
