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To mark the spring season and promote healthy activities, Healthy Kids Day was celebrated on April 26 at the YMCA of San Benito County on Tres Pinos Road. According to Executive Director Crystal Canchola, the event drew more than 20 vendors and included several activities.
“They have activities like an obstacle course, planting, games, and photo ops,” said Canchola. “Different little activities to just keep the kids active and engaged.”
Canchola said she wants to show kids that getting outdoors in the sun and away from tablets and screens can be fun.
Leslie Dell said swimming is one of those fun activities.
“We want to advertise for kids to come out and learn about the San Benito Aquatics team,” Dell said. “Also, how to get healthy by exercising, swimming, using all your body, and engaging in activities.”
She said the local swim team program is competitive year-round and has a “fabulous” new head coach, Darlene Friedly.
“We engage the kids with four different strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breast, and butterfly,” Dell said. “They use their whole entire body: you’re constantly moving and using all the muscles.”
Mayra Clemente, who participated in the event, said her favorite activity was the obstacle course. She said she also enjoys walking on a treadmill, going to the gym, and playing catch with her son.
“I just want to be active and try to eat healthy things as much as possible,” Clemente said.
Jesus Barajas, a participating parent, said his favorite activity was also the obstacle course and that he was pleased to see a focus on nutrition.
“I see all the healthy snacks they have out here for the kids,” he said. “I think that’s important. It is also important to play a lot of sports, so we are very active.”
YMCA dance instructor Katerina Hicks said she has about eight to 12 dancers in each of her four classes for kids from three to 12 years old.
“My dancers take classes every week here at the YMCA,” said Hicks. “Every year on Healthy Kids Day, we put on a performance. They are really excited, preparing for it and getting their costumes. It’s an exciting time for them.”
“This is just part of our ongoing outreach with all the communities we serve,” said Rocio King, district manager of the San Andreas Regional Center. “My service coordinator, Adi Navarro, is one of the biggest volunteers in my unit, so I thought I’d join here today, just to get to know San Benito County a bit better.”
King was handing out a flyer regarding the Superhero Festival on July 12 at Santana Ranch Park, where anyone can dress up as their favorite superhero.
“We will have some arts and crafts, food trucks, face painting, backpack giveaways,” she said. “Hopefully a lot of people will attend.”
The YMCA crew. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Rocio King and Arely Navarro. Photo by Adam Bell. 
From left: Jen Vandyke, Calvia Dell, Jeromy Dell, Addy Sondell, Leslie Dell, Josh Vandyke Dell, and Stacey Soracco. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Juan A. Perez. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Isabella Perez and Zailey Herrington. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Royce Clemente. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Katalina Barajas and Valentina Barajas. Photo by Adam Bell. 
YMCA Dancers perform at the Health Day event. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Health Day event. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Anastasia Guevava. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Zayla Urquiza and Cyrene Espejo. Photo by Adam Bell.
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