The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current, October 17, 2019, Image 8

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The champion newspaper., October 17, 2019, Image 8

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Newspaper Page TextLOCAL THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17-23, 2019 • Page 8 f DECATUR Fitness festival helps adults, children DeKalb County Recreation Parks and Cultural Affairs department hosted a fitness festival Oct. 12 at Mason Mill Park in Decatur. BY HORACE HOLLOMAN horace@dekalbchamp.com DeKalb County Recreation Parks and Cultural Affairs department hosted a fitness festival Oct. 12 at Mason Mill Park in Decatur to inform the community on how to stay active. The festival, called iFit in the Park, featured nutrition and healthcare vendors, music, games for children and a free group workout with a professional fitness trainer. Dawn Cribb, public relations specialist for DeKalb County Recreation Parks and Cultural Affairs, said the event was meant to show residents different ways to use the park. “A lot of times when people think about our parks, they only think about playgrounds or organized sports. What we wanted to do was come to a park and offer a little bit of everything,” Cribb said. “We wanted to [show residents] other opportunities we have in the park such as the walking trails and open fields.” Representatives from Atlanta Contact Point, a DeKalb-based nonprofit organization that promotes indoor and outdoor play, organized games such as soccer, dodgeball and kickball for children in attendance. “They show kids how to be active in the park,” Cribb said. “We also brought out the jump house for smaller children. Today is all about movement. Even when kids jump up and down, that’s considered cardio. We also have a celebrity trainer.” DaShaun Johnson, known by some as the “Guru of Abs,” hosted chair aerobics exercises for older residents. Johnson, who has been teaching senior citizens workouts stay active for approximately a year, said it is important for individuals of all ages to stay physically fit. Johnson teaches a fitness class for seniors at Exchange Park in Decatur. He said his work with older residents is fulfilling. “What I’ve found out is that senior citizens are more dedicated and more committed. We average about 200 seniors, three days a week at 9 a.m. Even though the class is free, each week these seniors show up and show out,” Johnson said. Johnson said he teaches seniors essential body movements they will use everyday such as twisting, bending and lifting. Johnson said he enjoyed participating in the fitness festival and hopes residents take advantage of staying active. “The iFit in the Park fitness festival is amazing because you get to give back to the community but you also get to meet new people who get to leam about what you do and what you offer,” Johnson said. DeKalb County Solicitor General Donna Coleman-Stribling presents: Sat. Oct. 26 Doors & Expo open at 5 p.m. Dancing begins at 6 p.m. Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center 3181 Rainbow Drive Decatur JsM!kW:W JsW DANCINGWITHDEKALBSmRS2019.EVENTBRITE.COM Light refreshments Proceeds Official Media provided by benefit Sponsor MflBlES imrnnniKfSnnL USth Women's House ESflC^ /Ae, A? ■CHAMPION*!