Like most of the rest of the world kids in Australia are suffering from inactivity.
The number of overweight and obese Australian children and adolescents has doubled in the last 15 years. It is estimated that between 20 and 25 percent of children and adolescents are now overweight or obese. More concerning is that being overweight and obese are major risk factors for chronic diseases including diabetes, heart attack, stroke and some cancers. Mountain biking is an activity that can help reverse the trend toward childhood obesity," says Tony Scott, president of MTBA. "Mountain biking is a great physical activity and the perfect way for adults and children to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise together."
He added, "Mountain biking builds self-confidence and offers kids and adults an adrenaline-packed adventure while giving them an effective, low-impact workout. It's a great way to spend a day focusing on positive, fun outdoor experiences for children, while teaching valuable lessons about living a healthy lifestyle, personal responsibility and environmental awareness."
The following clubs have undertaken to provide a rich and varied program for mountain biking specifically aimed at kids for October 2nd.
Victoria:
- Melbourne - 100 Acres Parks Orchards (Melway map 35 E9), 3pm - 4.30pm.
- Melbourne (Ivanhoe) - 1st Eaglemont Scout Hall, Irvine Rd, Ivanhoe (Melways 31 H10), 9am for beginners and 1pm for more experienced riders.
- Anglesea - Anglesea Primary School.
- Ballarat (Nerrina) – Meeting at Little Bendigo Primary School.
Queensland:
- Mackay - John Breen Park, Malcomson Street, North Mackay, 10am - 12noon.
- Brisbane (Underwood) - Underwood Park, Underwood Rd 9am - noon.
- Brisbane (Hinze Dam) - 9.00am to 10.30am.
- Rockhampton - First Turkey Gates- German St. 3:30pm-5pm.
New South Wales:
- Sydney (St Ives) - St. Ives Show Ground.
- Rocky Creek Dam (Dunoon)
Organisations other than MTBA affiliated clubs are encouraged to contact MTBA if you have an event on that date or if you provide specific MTB activities for kids. Let MTBA help promote what you are doing to help stem the tide of childhood obesity.
