Fontana students enjoy running around speedway track during Fitness Challenge

By RUSSELL INGOLD

Thousands of people - including several hundred students from Fontana schools - were excited about participating in the second annual Kids Fitness Challenge on April 19 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

San Bernardino County 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales was quite impressed with the crowd which gathered in the speedway parking lot at 7:45 a.m., eager for the chance to run, walk, or ride a bicycle on a 5K course which included the race track.

"Thanks for getting up early this morning and giving us a beautiful sight to see! You guys are awesome!" Gonzales told the attendees.

The City of Fontana's Smart Kids Program brought together many local school children, who proudly wore yellow T-shirts as part of their involvement in the event.

Tmarii Lopez, one of the Smart Kids coordinators, said she had fun along with her students from Poplar and Smith elementary schools. After the 5K, they enjoyed a variety of games and activities in the parking lot (see photo above).

"In the Smart Kids program, they're learning how to eat healthy and exercise and do more group activities instead of video games," Lopez said. "This event lets the community know that these options are out here for the schools and the community."

Chelsea Rhoades, who brought together students from Mango Elementary School, agreed that the Kids Fitness Challenge fits perfectly with the Smart Kids mission.

"It's a good way to get kids outside and exercising -- and to get their parents out there with them," she said.

Amber Valenzuela said her students from the new Kathy Binks Elementary School were energized about participating in their first event outside of the school.

"I want my kids to be healthy when they get older," she said. "I'm trying to be healthy for my kids here, as well as setting an example for the other kids in the school."

Amanda Cisneros of Date Elementary School agreed. "It's good for them to be involved in healthy activities," she said.

John Wordin, the director of the Kids Fitness Challenge, said: "We had probably two or three times as many kids as we had last year."

"We try to encourage and promote healthy activities for kids and families," he said.

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