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News & Events
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Ringling circus pumps-up Oakland youth Posted in the Oakland Tribune on Saturday, August 19, 2006 by Sandra Wiederkehr The Greatest Show on Earth has a new act. This one's outside the big top; Performers teaching their skills to encourage youths to be more fit. CircusFit,launched last year, came to Oakland this week. All performers have to be in top condition, and that's what makes the circus great, said Kristan Almgren of the agency that does Spanish-language publicity for thecircus. The little show drew a crowd of Latino youths and their families Wednesday in Josie D. de la Cruz Park, 1637 Fruitvale Ave. Performers exercise and warm-up before they work and what a nice way to incorporate that also for the children who watch the circus," said Baby D, the clown, who in real life is Daniel Martin Sanchez. "It's for everyone who comes to the circus and who's interested in fitness." During the presentation, Ringling Brothers clowns and dancers, joined by Noticias Univision 14 senior news anchor Luis Echegoyen, encouraged children and their parents in stretching and aerobic exercises. "My daughter likes the show of the Ringling Brothers and she wanted to see the clowns," said Ana Garcia, who brought her 3-year-old daughter Lisseth. Six-year-old Lautado Antelo piped up: "I want to see the clowns." His mother Viviana Antelo said she liked the activity for the young. "It's good for me and my family." The kids had their fun at the show, but the message was serious. "The rate of childhood obesity is soaring and this was a response on behalf of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey to this epidemic particularly within the Latino community," Almgren said. Statistics reveal the severity of the problems that physical activity can ease: Almost 40 percent of all Latino children in the United States are overweight. Excess weight and obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart and other diseases. Jane Garcia, chief executive officer at La Clinica de la Raza summarized the facts: "Without an organized response from within the Latino community to counter the disturbing trend, the first generation of Latinos born after the year 2000 will live fewer years than their parents," said Jane Garcia, the clinic's chief executive officer. The CircusFit goal "is to send the message that exercise is fun and it is essential to lead a healthy life," Almgren said. Oakland Tribune |
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