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As West Virginia’s childhood obesity rates continue to rank among the highest in the nation, groups at West Virginia University are taking decisive action to encourage physical activity and healthy eating through the West Virginia Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) Project.

CARDIAC school-based screenings performed in 26 West Virginia counties during the 2022–23 school year found 32 percent of kindergarteners, 40 percent of second graders and 49.6 percent of fifth graders were either overweight or obese (according to Centers for Disease Control parameters). Evidence for the risk of pre-diabetes was found in 3.2 percent of kindergarteners, 5.6 percent of second graders and 8 percent of fifth graders.

The Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences at WVU is collaborating with Mountaineer Athletics to host the fourth annual Youth Sports Day, Saturday, Sept. 9, as the West Virginia Mountaineers take on the Duquesne Dukes. Youth Sports Day is proudly sponsored by UScellular.

Youth Sports Day serves as an opportunity to provide the community with information about quality youth sport programs, the importance of sport sampling for developing the athletic skills and fitness youth need to participate in sports programs, Kristen Dieffenbach, professor of coaching and performance science in the College of Applied Human Sciences said.

"We are focused on encouraging lifetime engagement in sport and recreation activities," Dieffenbach added. "The Youth Sport Day provides WVU students studying coaching and sport sciences with an opportunity to engage with kids and families in the community and share best practices in supporting youth sport engagement," Dieffenbach added.

"We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting, local community event helping support skill development and promote physical activity," Nakeita Stewart, director of sales for UScellular, said.

All Youth Sports Day participants will receive discounted game tickets along with group seating to experience the excitement together. Tickets start at $40 each. The first 500 kids to sign up will receive an exclusive WVU Youth Sports Day T-Shirt courtesy of UScellular.

Youth athletes will receive an invitation to join in exclusive pregame activities in the Caperton Indoor Practice Facility, adjacent to the southwest gate of Milan Puskar Stadium. Coaches, family and friends are welcome to join at the same discounted rate.

To purchase tickets to the event, CLICK HERE. Check in starts at 3 p.m. with pregame activities starting at 3:30 p.m. and concluding at 5:30 p.m. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Parents or guardians must sign a waiver at the check in table for their child to participate. Participants may pick up T-shirts at the registration table starting at 3 p.m. For more details, contact Alexa Miley at 304-293-8424 or email alexa.miley@mail.wvu.edu.

The West Virginia University campus is invited to celebrate the start of the academic year with the College of Applied Human Sciences on Thursday, September 7, 3-5 p.m. at the Evansdale recreation fields. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend.

The fair will feature free snacks, drinks, games, prizes, music, and more. Students will be able to meet college faculty and staff, including a meet and greet with Dean Autumn Cyprès, and learn more about various clubs and organizations on campus. 

Cat O'Malley, Literacy Department Chair for Annapolis Middle School, found her way into the realm of education through an unconventional path. She began her career with roles in management, event management and sales, but found her true calling in literacy education. Her journey has been marked by determination and a commitment to making a difference, and her diverse skill set enriches her role as a teacher and educational leader.

Cat received her master's degree in literacy education from West Virginia University in 2021. She earned her degree nearly a decade after completing her undergraduate studies in tourism and events management from George Mason University.