The Shining Mountain Diabetes Program is starting the year off healthy by hosting the 2015 Kids Fitness Challenge next Saturday, February 28 at the SunUte Community Center.

“Native American youth are at a higher risk of being obese and developing diabetes,” Deanna Frost Shining Mountain Diabetes program coordinator said. “[2015 Kids Fitness Challenge] is all about getting kids active and educating them on how to start living healthy lifestyles at a young age.”

“The Let’s Move! In Indian Country” stems from first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” health initiative aimed at promoting healthy eating and exercising habits in America’s youth.

The free fitness challenge is open to all Native American youth between the ages 5 to 18 and will provide various physical activities to its participants.

“The challenge includes more play structured exercises,” Abel Velasquez SunUte fitness trainer said. “It’ll show kids that they don’t just have to do weight room or more traditional exercises, like push ups, to be healthy.”

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning and the first 50 kids to register will be receiving a free t-shirt, Frost said.

Prizes will also be given out to first, second and third place winners from each of the four-age divisions.

For more information on the fitness challenge call Deanna Frost or Abel Velasquez at 970-563-4741.