Austin school playgrounds receive artistic gift to help fight obesity
HOUSTON - (Sept. 10, 2010) - With childhood obesity on the rise in Texas, researchers from the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), will lead volunteers in an art project that is designed to promote physical activity at two Austin Independent School District elementary schools. The artwork will feature fun, interactive games and movement cues on school blacktops and sidewalks as part of the Center’s continuing fight against the devastating effects of childhood obesity. Forty-five percent of fourth grade students in Texas are overweight, according to research by the Center. The project is being funded through a grant from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
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WHAT: |
Two AISD elementary school playgrounds will be painted to help encourage physical activity. A local artist will help researchers, parents and school faculty paint fun, educational markings on school blacktops and sidewalks. Teachers also will learn games that students can play using the artwork while at recess. Paintings will include movement games such as hopscotch, movement cues such as skipping and educational designs such as the life cycle of a monarch butterfly and the solar system. |
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WHO: |
Researchers from UTHealth’s Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, parents and school faculty members. |
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WHEN & WHERE: |
Saturday, Sept. 11 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 18 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Jade Waddy
Media Hotline: 713-500-3030
