About KKFD

Kansas Kids Fitness and Safety Day is a statewide event held every year on the first Friday in May. This event focuses on increasing physical activity and safety awareness among 3rd grade students in Kansas. Nearly 18,000 students participate each year at more than 40 sites across the state.

To participate in KKFD, go to the “School Registration” link to register and receive more information. If you would like to be a Host Site, go to the “Host Site Coordinator” link to register your site and to get more information on being a host site.

Kansas Kids Fitness and Safety Day is an opportunity to impress upon youth the importance of being safe and physically active. A recent study published in the April 5 issue of JAMA reported the prevalence of overweight children and adolescents in the United States has risen to 17.1% in 2003-2004. The prevalence of overweight in female children and adolescents increased from 13.8% in 1999 – 2000 to 16% in 2003 – 2004. The prevalence of overweight in male children and adolescents rose from 14% to 18.2% in the same time period. The 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in Kansas High Schools reported that 13.3% of students surveyed were at risk for becoming overweight and 11.9% of students were overweight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents participate in 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. The benefits associated with regular physical activity include: weight control, increased muscular strength, improved bone mass, improved cardiovascular fitness, decreased blood pressure, improved self-esteem, reduced anxiety and stress. In 2005, only 41.3% of Kansas High School students reported being physically active for a total of 60 minutes per day on five or more days of the past seven days.

Safe Kids Kansas is pleased to be able to participate in this statewide event that reinforces to children the fun and health benefits of noncompetitive physical activities and injury prevention. Unintentional injuries are still the leading cause of death for Kansas kids. Preventable injuries to children peak during the summer when children are less supervised, have more free time and engage in more outdoor activities. Through public awareness activities such as these, Safe Kids seeks to educate children and parents and about preventing accidental injuries.

Program Sponsored by: Governor’s Council on Fitness