Sports Institute’s Kid’s Fitness Festival Expects Record Attendance, 
Receives Major Grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida.

South Florida’s interactive youth sports experience, the Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches produced for the last 14 years by the Palm Beach County Sports Institute, is anticipating a record turnout for its July 17th & 18th event at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

"We are very excited about this year's Kids Fitness Festival” said Jeff Zipper, Kids Fitness Festival Committee Chair, “From our pre-registrations, we expect attendance will exceed last year by 20%. We are very appreciative of Ronald McDonald House Charities and our other charitable sponsors.  The word about the Kids Fitness Festival is out evidenced by the attendance growth, interest by exhibitors and the generosity of our sponsors."
The Palm Beach County Sports Institute has named Ronald McDonald House Charities as presenting sponsor of the Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches for the second straight year thanks to their generous grant donation.  The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc. (RMHC®) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. RMHC fulfills its mission by creating innovative, effective programs that address targeted needs, and by supporting these programs and other activities conducted by its local Chapters worldwide. RMHC also awards grants to other nonprofit children’s organizations that positively impact the health and well being of children around the world.
Joining RMHC in sponsorship of the Kids Fitness Festival is Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc.  Directed primarily at improving the quality of afterschool and out-of-school programs, Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc. has been very generous in donating $5,000 in scholarships to be used to cover entry fees in the KFF targeting youth participating from summer camp programs that do not have the funds to attend the event. Thanks to their funding, eleven camps from the West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Pahokee and Belle Glade areas will be able to attend the Kids Fitness Festival.

The Kids Fitness Festival will be offering Polo for the first time thanks to the support of the International Polo Club. Other sports clinics already signed on this year are: Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Boxing, Cheerleading, Chess, Dance, Fencing, Fishing, Football, Golf, Hanet Ball, Hockey, Judo, Lacrosse, Malletball, Mixed Martial Arts, Movement, Nutrition, Netball, Paintball, Powerlifting, Rugby, Running, Surfing, Soccer, Squash, Strength Training, Tae kwon do, Tai Chi, Tennis and Yoga.

The success and growth of the Kids Fitness Festival is the result of the basic philosophy of offering something for everyone. Elementary and Middle School children learn the basics of over 40 sports from the area's leading instructors.  Additionally, they can experience the midway, play games, make arts and crafts, and interact with professional athletes and mascots. Parents will also enjoy the educational expo, food, and interactive games. Last year an estimated 5,000 children attended and this year the event is expecting around 7,000 children.

It’s not too late to sign up and receive the early registration fee of $12 a day per child. This price is only good until JUNE 13, 2008.  After JUNE 13, 2008 the price is $17 per child. The admission fee includes a Kids Fitness Festival t-shirt and a full day of fun and activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are admitted free of charge and are encouraged to check out all that the festival has to offer!

The Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches is sponsored by: Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida, Cardinal-Marlins Fund of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach & Martin Counties, ESPN Radio 760, Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc., Publix Super Markets, Salud al dia Magazine, South Florida Parenting, and The Palm Beach Post.

If you are interested in hosting a sports clinic please call George Linley at 233-3123 or glinley@palmbeachsports.com

If you are interested in volunteering, becoming an exhibitor, becoming a sponsor or attend the event please call Rachel Miller at 233-3178 or rmiller@palmbeachsports.com.

Check out all the information on the festival and photos from last year are at www.PalmBeachSports.com

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