Fit and Fun Day Saturday at UMPI

    PRESQUE ISLE – Local kids will unknowingly be getting exercise while taking part in fun activities during the eighth semi-annual Fit and Fun Day.
    The event will  be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 in Gentile Hall and sponsored by the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Physical Education Majors Club.     The club has organized the free play day for area children in grades 1-5 to teach them about health and fitness in a fun environment.
    Activities will include cup stacking, rhythm activities, parachute games, juggling, and ball handling games, and improving motor skill techniques through activities such as throwing with rubber chickens, frogs, and turtles.
    The multipurpose court in Gentile Hall will be set up for the various activities. Children will spend about 20 to 30 minutes at one of four stations before moving on to another activity.
    UMPI physical education and athletic training students will facilitate the activities and help children throughout the day.
    Dr. Chris Standefer, professor of physical education, said the event provides wonderful benefits both to college and elementary students.
    “The biggest benefit is that kids can do fun activities and realize that fitness isn’t just about exercise. It’s also about playing and just being a kid,” she said. “And our university students get the opportunity to work with school-age children.
    “Anytime I can get my students working with kids, it makes their teaching skills stronger.”
    Participants should bring their own snacks for this event. For more information, call Standefer at 768-9457.