WARSAW — The Parkview Warsaw YMCA announced its new Youth Cross Country and Track and Field programs.

These new programs are free for YMCA members and anyone in the community and are made possible in part through the K21 Health Foundation and Parkview Warsaw, said a news release from Parkview Warsaw YMCA.

“Giving every child in Kosciusko County every opportunity to be active is one of K21 Health Foundation’s priorities. We believe if a child experiences and embraces an active lifestyle, that they will be more likely to live that way their entire lives,” said K21 Health Foundation CEO Rich Haddad.

We are excited for the Kosciusko Community YMCA to launch these programs for the youth of our community, and pleased to support this initiative,” Haddad said.

Participants will practice once a week and take part in a total of 4 meets throughout the season. Track and Field will practice and compete at The Grace College Key Track and Field Athletic Complex. Cross Country will have practice and compete at Harrison Elementary School. Participants will be divided into 3 age groups; 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12 and all participants will receive a free t-shirt.

“We’re so excited about this opportunity. We believe our Youth Track and Field and Cross Country programs present another avenue to get kids active while equipping families with the tools to make healthy choices. Our focus will be to immerse participants in a FUN, supportive and educational environment centered on exercise and nutrition.” – Tre Fowler, Sports Director at the Parkview Warsaw YMCA.

Parkview Warsaw healthcare professionals will also serve as volunteer educators, sharing nutritional tips and helping children develop healthy habits.

“We believe the program represents a new, innovative way of reaching out and sharing the fun and benefits of exercise and healthy eating with young people and their families. The nutritional component of the program will not only allow kids and their parents to enjoy a healthy snack together but also give them the tools to make positive food choices in the future.” – Andrea Sullivan, Marketing and Community Relations Specialist at the Parkview Warsaw.

Registration for Track and Field is open now through June 21st and Cross Country registration is open now through July 19th. Register online at www.kcymca.org or at the Parkview Warsaw YMCA Welcome Center.