Sounds of active children laughing and shouting in delight could be heard from across the way at Market on the Mall on Wednesday, June 30. With a soccer ball propped on one knee, each excited child attempted to bounce the ball from one knee to another. Across from them were more children kicking soccer balls into a net, trying to score a goal, while members of the Fresno Fuego soccer team watched attentively.
This event successfully accomplished what it was set out to, which was to promote healthy and active lifestyles for children, as well as adults, said Maria Zapata, Community Health Leader for Network for a Healthy California. Daily activity (of any kind) for everyone is the key to a healthier outlook on life. “Children need 60 minutes a day of physical activity, while adults need 30 minutes," Zapata said. "It can be walking, running or whatever suits the person, just as long as the person takes the time to do it.”
Festivities of the day included fun activities for children, healthy food samples for all, prizes to lucky contestants; and three members of the Fresno Fuego were on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and participate in the fun soccer games. Using the popularity of the FIFA World Cup that is currently being played daily as a promotional tool, now seemed like the appropriate time to bring residents out to Market on the Mall to meet their own soccer stars right here in the valley.
The event was a joint venture by the Network for a Healthy California, Market on the Mall and the Fresno Downtown Association.
