Conceived in 2003 by concerned parents, Bonny Sosa and Sam Young, Healthy Futures is a statewide, grassroots initiative to empower Alaska youth to become physically active for life.

Through sponsorships, Healthy Futures advocates the benefits of physical fitness, provides tools for teachers and parents who motivate children to assume physical activity into their daily routine and promotes youth attendance at community recreational events.

Presented by the Alaska Association for Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AKAHPERD), Healthy Futures is made possible by ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.

View Healthy Futures Fact Sheet (PDF document)

NEWS RELEASES and ARTICLES

Recovery Eating for Athletes, by Zoe Hickel
Read the complete story by this 15-year-old Alaskan about keeping athletic “engines” running fast, smooth and ready to work hard again the next day.

When Life Throws you Lemons, by Kikkan Randall
USA XC Ski Racer, 2002 & 2006 US Olympian and Healthy Futures Spokesperson. Read article

Celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
The month of May is annually deemed National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, calling upon the nation to make physical fitness a priority in their lives, and work toward the great goal of an active, fit America.  News release - April 25, 2008

A Defining Moment, by Zoe Hickel
Read the complete story of ninth grader Zoe Hickel’s experience at the Olympic Training Center.  

Positive Experiences at Local Events Empower Youth to Lead Active Lifestyles

Through community events happening in Anchorage and throughout Alaska in 2008, a powerful message will be passed on to Alaska youth: It’s about participation rather than winning, about having fun by keeping active and learning that life experiences through athletics are meaningful and lasting.

News release - Jan. 23, 2008

Educators Convene in Anchorage to Fight Youth Obesity Through Health and Fitness Initiatives. November declared Healthy Futures Month in Alaska
Media Alert - Nov. 7, 2007

Healthy Futures Earns National Recognition

Anchorage Students and School District receive honors at School Board Meeting.
Media Alert - Sept. 11, 2007

Fall Running Events Fire up Anchorage Youth
A variety of fun, family-oriented fitness events slated  for Anchorage this September aim to get Anchorage youth off the couch and into fitness.  As added incentive, kids who participate in three or more Healthy Futures events by May 31, 2008, become eligible to win one of two sporting equipment packages of their choice – a value of up to $500. 

News Release - Sept. 6, 2007

Celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May by Urging Kids to Participate in Fun and Recreational Community Events
In a proclamation signed May 1, 2007, President George W. Bush declares May 2007 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, calling upon the nation to make physical fitness a priority in their lives, and work toward the great national goal of an active, fit America. News Release – May 4, 2007 (PDF)

Animals, Fitness and Health, Oh My!
Kids age three to 10 can sprint past lynx and tigers and bears at the Alaska Zoo Kid’s Fun Run, 10 a.m., Saturday, May 5, 2007. The easy to follow course weaves through the Alaska Zoo’s 25 wooded acres, varying in length from the 100-yard Fox Trot to the 1K Caribou Cruise. Register online at www.alaskazoo.org, or in person beginning at 9 a.m. News Release – April 30, 2007 (PDF)

Nordic Ski Lessons at Low Income Schools Made Possible by Ski 4 Kids Event
Since its inception in 1995, the Municipality of Anchorage Outreach Ski Program has funded Nordic ski equipment and lessons for more than 2,000 children from 13 Title 1 and low-income schools. The equipment is purchased by Ski 4 Kids Group, which collects donations in lieu of an entry fee during the annual Ski 4 Kids winter festival

Media Alert – March 7, 2007 (PDF)