Base Youth Center recognized by AETC

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Youth Center on Goodfellow Air Force Base was recently recognized by Air Education and Training Command for the outstanding participation it received with their FitFactor program events during 2007.

FitFactor is an Air Force Youth Fitness program designed to educate and promote physical fitness among military families, particularly children. "The entire Youth Center staff and I are very happy and proud to have been recognized by AETC, but the real recognition should go to the parents who allow and encourage their children to take part in our program activities and events," said Omar Matos, the center's youth sports and fitness director

"By allowing the kids to participate, parents don't just create opportunities for wholesome, fun activities for their children to enjoy, they also set a good example about staying physically fit and living a healthy life style, which is an important thing to instill in a child," Mr. Matos added.

Approximately 200 children participated during 2007, according to Mr. Matos.

One of the various events the children took part in was FitFactor Frenzy, an event now held by the Youth Center each month.

"The Frenzy is our health day. We plan several activities to do during the day that promote a healthy lifestyle and teach them how to prepare a healthy meal or snack. Before the event the kids go through a fit test that they can do on their own with out using special gadgets. This way they can keep up with their own level of fitness," said Mr. Matos.

Rock climbing, pickle ball and team-obstacle courses are just a few of the physical activities included in the FitFactor Frenzy.

The Youth Center plans on hosting more FitFactor events throughout the year.

Some of the upcoming events include soccer, basketball and volleyball camps. There are also plans for trips to theme parks, horseback riding and even a ski trip by mid March.

FitFactor is open to individuals age 6 and up, who are family members of active duty, National Guard and Reserve members of the armed forces.

The program is also open to Department of Defense civilians; retired military members; honorably discharged veterans and military spouses and their family members. For more information about upcoming activities and events related with the FitFactor program, call the Goodfellow Youth Center at 654-4708.