|
|
Contact:
Lisa Wuennemann
Patch Products, Inc.
1400 E. Inman Pkwy.
Beloit, WI 53511
(800) 524-4263 x 275
lisaw@patchproducts.com |
May 3, 2004
|
Get Outdoors, Get Active
Celebrate National Backyard Games Week™
May 24-31, 2004
Beloit, Wis. -- Did you know that people have been running, jumping and exercising outside during the summer for thousands of years? In fact, you could say that the early Olympics in ancient Greece were some of the very first backyard games! To continue the tradition set forth thousands of years ago, Patch Products is celebrating the seventh annual National Backyard Games Week™, May 24 - 31, 2004.
Every May, from the Monday before to the Monday of Memorial Day, we celebrate National Backyard Games Week. The event is designed to bring families and friends together through fun outdoor activities. "Games are a great way for parents and children to interact and enjoy each other. Backyard games add to the excitement with the exhilaration of fresh air and outdoor adventure," says Frank Beres, game enthusiast and spokesperson at Patch. "For the event, we offer families and teachers ideas on how to have their own fun in the backyard or playground."
Physical activity among children and adolescents has never been more important. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, "Today there are nearly twice as many overweight children and almost three times as many overweight adolescents as there were in 1980." The American Obesity Association says approximately 30% of children are overweight and 15% are obese. These statistics also hold true for adolescents. Excess weight in childhood and adolescence has been found to predict overweight in adults. In addition, today's youth are considered the most inactive generation in history.
Parents and teachers can encourage physical activity by celebrating National Backyard Games Week. The school year is winding down, and kids are itching to get outside. The National Backyard Games Week section at www.patchproducts.com features ideas on how to get children and adolescents involved. Not only will they appreciate the physical exercise outside; they will also learn valuable skills such as following directions and the importance of teamwork. Adult involvement will also help to encourage physical activity throughout the entire summer by getting kids excited about outdoor games during this special week.
Patch Products, headquartered in Beloit, Wis., is a leading manufacturer and marketer of family entertainment products. Board games, card games, puzzles and foam sports toys are the core product lines. Visit www.patchproducts.com.
|
|
|
|
Recent Press 
Home