Published: Feb. 14, 2011
LANSING, Mich. - Parents tired of their kids sitting on the couch can now get them active, thanks to Sparrow's Feelin' Good® Mileage Club®.
For the first time, parents enroll their youngsters in the club, as long as the child's school is participating. Online signup for parents is at Sparrowmilesclub.com and runs from today (Feb. 14) until March 11.
Each year, Sparrow and Kohl's Department Stores partner to offer the Mileage Club®. It's designed to make activity fun by allowing k-5 students to earn prizes for walking or running during recess and lunch.
In order to participate, a child's school must first register for the program. Once a school is registered, parents must complete online signup.
The Feelin' Good® Mileage Club® is a staple at more than 150 schools in the mid-Michigan region. Last year, some 44,000 mid-Michigan children participated, totaling nearly 300,000 miles.
This year's program kicks off at local schools on April 11.
Feelin' Good® Mileage Club® has spawned numerous inspiring stories of kids who have found the benefits of exercise.
Kelly Foltz, a parent volunteer coordinator of the program at Hiawatha Elementary in Okemos, says she's seen the sense of accomplishment and joy that youngsters feel by participating.
"It just gets kids moving," Foltz says. "It gets them to understand that running can be fun and rewarding."
Says Beth Spyke, director, Sparrow Health and Wellness: "The average child spends far too much time in front of the computer and drinks too much soda and not enough milk and water. It's time to get our children active, which is what the Feelin' Good® Mileage Club® is all about."