Fitness fair is here

The school district’s Lifelong Fitness Fair is offering a wide range of activities this Saturday to promote healthy living.

The entire community is invited to the event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at El Morro school.

What started as a mere concept three years ago has evolved into an event that will showcase the talents and activities of more than 65 community organizations.

The district is partnering with parents, schools, businesses and community groups to increase awareness and opportunities for children’s health.

The fair will mark the end of National Physical Education Week.

“We are big believers that if kids don’t graduate from our district with fundamental knowledge and appreciation of fitness and nutrition, we haven’t done our job,” Supt. Theresa Daem said.

Highlighted events include field games, environmental fitness hiking, biking, a rock-climbing wall, zip line, yoga, tai chi, martial arts and dance.

“The days of celebrating by throwing a ball out in the field for kids to play with are over,” Assistant Supt. Steven Keller said.

Parent Lori Burgi proposed the idea for the fitness fair to the district three years ago and is the event’s main organizer.

“I was impressed that nobody ever said no,” she said.

Burgi also said she never heard a “no” from the various community groups she asked to participate.

“This is a district endeavor, but it’s a community event,” Keller said. “None of this would have happened without Lori Burgi.”

“This is about expanding kids’ awareness and choices,” Burgi said.

Burgi also has instructed the district’s physical education teachers on how to teach yoga to their classes.

Physical education teacher Penny Dressler said her students often request yoga.

“A lot of the kids ask for relaxation exercises. It’s a rare time for them to let go and relax,” she said.

Dressler is anxious to celebrate the fitness fair with the community.

“A lot of the kids are really looking forward to it. It’s our first year, and I’d like to see the momentum carried in the future,” Dressler said.

Sixth-grader Mollie Khachadoorian said she is looking forward to seeing the variety of the fair. “I’m looking forward to the zip line the most,” she said.

Tommy Nixon, also in sixth grade, is excited to see the BMX group perform. “I’ve never seen it before,” he said.

The fair’s agenda includes giveaways from Hurley, Energize Your Life handbooks, Krakoosh Magazine, The Ryde, Billabong, Surfrider Foundation, Earth Resource Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, Ocean Pacific, the Laguna Outreach for Community Arts, South Coast Hospital, American Cancer Society, Neutrogena Sunscreen, Zinka sunscreen, Juice Plus, Rockreation and Health In Balance.

A food pavilion will offer nutritional items from La Sirena, Chef Amy’s Smoothie Bar, Naked Apples, Wild Oats, Trader Joe’s XS Energy drinks and H2Ultra Fitness Water.

Scheduled events include:

Honors Chorus with Eliza Sand at 11 a.m.; Sage Hill teen yoga demo at 11:10 a.m.; Tai Chi Swords and Chi Gong demonstration and workshops with JoAnna Schoon at 11:30 a.m.; Giant BMX Bike Team at noon and 2 p.m.; Justin Frandson on athleticism 12:30 p.m.; Cheryl Medicine Song performing songs from her new CD at 1 p.m.; United Studios of Self Defense on Martial Arts team performs at 1:30 p.m.; Individual Student Profile workshop at 1 and 3 p.m.; Michelle Blair on emotional fitness at 1:45 p.m.; Capoiera at 2:30 p.m.; Laguna Beach Ballet Studio performance at 2:50 p.m.; Laguna Beach High School Dance Company performs at 3 p.m.; Betty Hoops with a hoola-hoops dance demonstration and contest at 3:30 p.m.; Yoga Works demonstration and workshop at 4 p.m.; and Jill’s Bedroom rock band at 4:30 p.m.

All day events include:

A bike safety and obstacle course with the Laguna Beach Police Dept.; field games with the Laguna Beach Fire Dept.; climbing wall and 100-foot zip Line from We Totally Rock; Generation Fit and Red Octane dance mats; make your own T-Shirt with Sli Dawg from The Ryde and Trkey; and free skin cancer screening.

The following events require advance registration:

Mountain biking with Laguna Cyclery at Crystal Cove State Park at 8 a.m.; environmental fitness hikes with Crystal Cove State Park Rangers at 9 and 10 a.m.; a Nordic walking clinic at 10 a.m.; volleyball clinics from noon to 1 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m.; a lacrosse demonstration and clinic from 1 to 2 p.m.; field fitness and soccer scrimmage from 2 to 3 p.m.

Registration can be done on the event’s website at www.lifelongfitnessfair.com.

Parking and trolley services are free. Volunteers are still needed to help out. Information: Steven Keller (949) 497-7700, ext. 200.cpt.19-fitness-CPhotoInfoRT1R2BSU20060519izfgaincDON LEACH / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Instructor Lori Burgi, right, leads 6th graders in Yoga routine during lunch period in Thurston gym.