Amazing Athletes Program Introduces Sports at Earlier AgeNews Articles & Ads
August 3, 2009 MESA, Ariz. — Queen Creek mom Nicole Bagozzi has always been conscious of the childhood obesity trends facing the country, so it was on the top of her mind when she was looking for a child care center for her 4-year-old daughter, Sydnie. “There is that trend where children have coronary disease at young ages, and I wanted to make sure that there was an active part of her day,” Bagozzi said. “It’s just as important as the learning.” She found Children’s Choice, a Mesa child care center located on the Banner Baywood Medical Campus. Children’s Choice is one of the few child care centers that provides a Physical Education class for children younger than the typical school age. The program is offered by Amazing Athletes, a company that partners with child care centers to teach young children about sports. “From the 3- to 5-year-old level, there aren’t many leagues where kids can play sports,” said Wes Whittaker, who directs the Amazing Athletes program at Children’s Choice. “But adults usually prefer to work out in a sports setting, and the same is true for kids.” Whittaker incorporates games and adventures with younger children, as well as education skills such as counting, using colors and using shapes. During one month, he teaches eight different sports. Bagozzi said she has already noticed a difference in her daughter. “When Sydnie started, she could really only catch a ball,” she said. “Now she can catch a golf ball, and throw really hard. She can even catch with one hand. She takes it all in and loves the program.” The Amazing Athletes program costs about $40 a month and the classes last up to 45 minutes. “Anything longer and the kids’ attention spans fall out the window,” Whittaker said. Bagozzi said her daughter is happier and calmer on the days she learns about sports. “If you start them young enough, those good behaviors transcend,” Bagozzi said. “It can’t be just one thing. You can’t feed your child McDonald’s every day and them put them in sports and expect them to lose the weight. You have to start the routine early.” Amazing Athletes began in 2002 in Southern California. Children’s Choice opened on the Banner Baywood Medical Campus in 2007. The program is literacy-based with a low ratio of teachers to children. The center can accommodate up to 145 children, ages six weeks to 12 years old. For more information or to schedule a tour, call (480) 218-1785 or visit www.childrenschoice.com. |
