Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) has designated October 2nd as "Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day". As in most of the rest of the Western world kids in Australia are suffering from inactivity.
The number of overweight and obese Australian children and adolescents has doubled in the last 15 years. It is estimated that between 20 and 25 percent of children and adolescents are now overweight or obese. More concerning is that being overweight and obese are major risk factors for chronic diseases including diabetes, heart attack, stroke and some cancers.
"Mountain biking is an activity that can help reverse the trend toward childhood obesity," says Tony Scott, president of MTBA. "Mountain biking is a great physical activity and the perfect way for adults and children to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise together."
He added, "Mountain biking builds self-confidence and offers kids and adults an adrenaline-packed adventure while giving them an effective, low-impact workout. It's a great way to spend a day focusing on positive, fun outdoor experiences for children, while teaching valuable lessons about living a healthy lifestyle, personal responsibility and environmental awareness."
The promotion of the "Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day" will be funded by MTBA and we will be helping all our clubs Australia wide have special events on the 2nd October specifically aimed at kids. If clubs already have events scheduled for this day MTBA will help them fit in special activities for kids so that they can experience the joy of mountain biking.
Organisations other than MTBA affiliated clubs are encouraged to contact MTBA if you have an event on that date or if you provide specific MTB activities for kids. Let MTBA help promote what you are doing to help stem the tide of childhood obesity.
Clubs and other organisations that will be participating in this special day will be listed on the MTBA website closer to the day, so make sure you pencil in the date: 2nd October 2005 and drop by again to check out the special activities in your area.
