The national campaign to reduce the childhood obesity rate that’s tripled in size during the past 30 years has inspired a local challenge that starts Saturday and involves prizes.

Between this Saturday, which is Kidz Day in Port Orange, and May 28, individuals, businesses, civic organizations and faith-based communities are being challenged to take 10,000 steps a day in order to figuratively reach Bonanza, Ga., and achieve a bonanza of health benefits from the exercise.

The effort, partly inspired by first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, is the result of a multifaceted collaboration between Port Orange Family Days, Halifax Health, the Volusia County Health Department and others. John E. Evans, co-chair of the initiative, said every effort will be made to recognize everyone hoofing it with a prize of some sort.

Visitors can go to the Lakeside Community Center to pick up a pedometer between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday. Information will be available on how to keep track of daily progress and other activities that can be converted into steps to reach the goal.

Other shipshaping activities include:

A children’s fun run for those between 1 and 12 years old. Registration is 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Movie Under the Stars, at the Parker Amphitheater, 1999 City Center Circle.

· Healthy Kidz Screening featuring free screening for blood pressure, glucose levels, body-mass index and vision.

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By ANNE GEGGIS , Staff writer
The Daytona Beach News-Journal  
anne.geggis @news-jrnl.com