Sometimes, all it takes is an opportunity for our youth to try something out to discover the passion of their life, or merely a pastime that they enjoy.

At the fifth annual Let’s Move! Event to be held at Victor Ashe Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, families will have the chance to try out just about every recreation opportunity conceivable offered at more than 80 activity stations. Upon entry, families receive a “Let’s Move! Adventure Map” that they can use to determine what to explore first.

From traditional sports, to nature activities, to bounce houses, to paddling on a 2-acre lake, and so much more, this event has something for everyone. 

And that’s not all. Participants will also get to sample nutritious snacks, watch food demonstrations, and learn healthy eating tips. 

The best part? Every bit of the Let’s Move! Event is free of charge! 

There will be plenty of free giveaways, such as vegetable seeds from The Home Depot and Let’s Move! jump ropes. Door prize giveaways will include Fitbits and even a grill provided by The Home Depot.

The entire duration of the event will be complemented with entertainment, including a DJ and live performances by local clubs that will dance, perform karate, demonstrate aerobics, and more. 

Local youth will show off their new jump roping skills they’ve learned from the international jump-roping champion, Nick Woodard, who will also perform.

Children will also have the opportunity to compete in a pacer test race, and the winning boy and girl of the contest will each receive a Fitbit. 

There will be plenty of passive play opportunities, as well. For example, Knoxville Parks and Recreation will have play equipment such as over-sized chess sets and an Imagination Playground (life-sized foam building blocks) set up in the park.

The event averages 1,000 participants each year and is organized by a committee of local organizations led by City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation and Coordinated School Health. 

“We began the Let’s Move! Event in an attempt to engage youth in new recreation activities and healthy eating habits, hoping that an entire park filled with irresistible activities would remove the intimidation factor of trying something new,” said Joe Walsh, City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Director. 

Organizing partners on the Let’s Move! Event committee and/or sponsors include City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation, Knox County Schools, Walmart, The Home Depot, Walgreens, Subway, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Obesity Coalition, Knox County Health Department, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, UT Extension, UT Department of Nutrition, Great Schools Partnership, East Tennessee PBS Kids, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley.

For more information on the 2017 Let’s Move! Event, visit www.LetsMoveKnox.com.