The U.S. Congress passed a resolution designating Sept. 24 as Worldwide Day of Play which aims to recognize Nickelodeon’s efforts in promoting healthy habits to children and families globally.
On Aug. 31, President Obama proclaimed September 2011 as the National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.
“We are coordinating across the federal government to make our goal a reality. This year, the federal government released updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, providing a science‑based roadmap for individuals to make healthy choices, and emphasizing the importance of good nutrition and an active lifestyle,” stated Obama in his Presidential Proclamation on the whitehouse.gov website.
The local Department of Public of Health partnered up with the Public School System and over 30 other sponsors to make the event possible.
Partners like Early Childhood, DPS, and all the organizers and the committee has been planning this event for more than a month.
“Obesity has become a big factor in the CNMI. We aim to encourage parents and children to make healthier choices for their families and for themselves,” said Trina Sablan, the main event organizer from the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.
Sponsors and volunteers worked full time to make sure the event would be a success. It shows how the community is very dedicated to its children and youth.
“We’re very glad to have so many participants for this event. If you have children involved in any event, you can see how the community really works together for them,” she said.
Demos like martial arts, dances, soccer, yoga, and tai-chi were shown in the event. Games and obstacle courses were set up for parents and kids to play together. Kids were given toys like balls, hula-hoops, and jumping ropes.
Saipan is nationally registered on the letsmove.gov. Ben’s Studio video-taped the whole event and Bryan Jones has donated professional photography services for the entire occasion.
“I believe this first event is very successful and we plan to continue this every year. Hopefully the participants learned a lot from this event and practice a healthier lifestyle and be more active,” said Sablan.
“We would like to encourage our citizens to eat more fruits and vegetables we naturally grow here in the CNMI. Water is also one of the best sources of medicine. It’s pure and it comes from Mother Nature. It all starts at home. We’re here to help educate parents on how to be more proactive with their kids and show a good example for our future generation.”
Donations came from the Legislature and private organizations. IT&E provided most of the tents used for the event. The Saipan Farmers Market worked to get Hinemlu Familia, a non-profit organization gears toward children’s health. They were responsible for purchasing $500 worth of local fruits and vegetables.
Sablan emphasizes on the fact that the whole event had only local fruits and vegetables. “We were able to give each family a bag of local fruits and vegetables and a carton of milk,” she said.
Saipan Ice also came with over 500 gallons of water to tie in with the event to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
“Everyone got together and said let’s make this one big event. It was all worthy; the planning and the sweat and the hard work we all put in the event,” Sablan said.
“We organized this with the associate commissioner, Jackie Quitugua, Hopwood principal Jonas Barcinas, and the Head Start Program which released a survey during the parents’ meeting to spread the word and get their input on the event,” she added.
“This event was carefully planned and there was a lot of dedication from the schools to get the parents involved. It really becomes a success when everyone participates.”
