Children focus on fitness

By Pyc Fitness
©2004-2008

Sango Elementary School students, teachers and parents are busy flexing and stretching for the newly created Sango Running/Fitness Club.

"I wanted to do something for this school and thought, what better way than to exercise together with your child?" said Mark McNiel, Sango Elementary P.E. teacher and former cross country and track coach.

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McNiel and about nine other teachers volunteer every Wednesday, immediately following school dismissal, to supervise the club.

"Regardless of the weather, we will have Running Club. If it is inside, we'll do some line dancing, yoga and activity games," McNiel said.

Students and parents are excited about the prospect of combining physical fitness and family quality time.

"This is right up my alley since I am a personal trainer and also a runner," said Lori O'Shoney, parent of fifth grader Spencer and kindergartner Nolan.

Linda Barnes, president of the Sango Elementary School PTA, echoed that enthusiasm. "My kids are so excited about the chance to run as a family. We plan to do this every week," said Barnes, mother of Fergus and Molly.

More than 100 people have signed up to participate. All third, fourth and fifth grade students at Sango are eligible to apply for free membership, but must receive parental permission.

Amanda Melton, school speech pathologist, felt encouraged that so many parents and youngsters have accepted the commitment to show up weekly.

"I'm here to encourage students to focus on healthy and good choices," Melton said as the thud of sneakers hit the gym floor during warm-up jogging.

McNiel was quick to point out that the social benefits of the club provide adult volunteers another chance to emphasize character traits like sportsmanship, discipline, determination and dedication.
Students warm up to idea

Student Jacquez Vinson said he wants to hit his stride with regular exercise because "I have asthma and I have to be careful."

Riley Greiff said the running club activities will hone his overall athletic skills and especially "make me a stronger soccer player."

Meredith Burkhart is a prime example of the outcome organizers were looking for.

"I had decided that I needed to exercise three days a week. I just wanted to start working out, and now this gives me the chance," said Meredith, who doesn't participate in extracurricular team sports.

Haley Spare, on the other hand, is already very active.

"I was here last week for the first meeting and it was hard and easy," said Haley, who also takes karate lessons and plays for a softball team.

When Shannon Leideritz was in fourth grade living in Arizona, she was part of an active school running club. Shannon's family moved to Clarksville this summer and she was ecstatic that her new school has launched a similar club.

"Maybe I'll meet some new friends and this will help me get ready to do gymnastics or cheerleading," said Shannon, who dreams of becoming a figure skater some day.