National Get Outdoors Day Encourages Kids to Play Outside

For Immediate Release
05-22-08
Contact: Mark Eller
markeller@imba.com
303-545-9011

Kids today spend an average of 6.5 hours a day in front of TVs or computers, and studies have repeatedly shown that they are spending less and less time outside. Get Outdoors USA is partnering with leading organizations in outdoor recreation, including IMBA, to reverse the trend and encourage kids to get outdoors. Our collaborative efforts will be focused into National Get Outdoors Day.

The annual event will be celebrated on June 14, 2008, with subsequent events continuing on the second Saturday of June each year.

National Get Outdoors Day focuses on a single day when people are inspired and motivated to get outdoors, with federal, state and local agencies, key enthusiast organizations and recreation businesses pitching in to make the experience fun. Event planners will emphasize reaching first-time visitors to public lands. By offering diverse activities and opportunities, this national effort will broaden appreciation for and interest in the great outdoors -- and awareness of its benefits.

National Get Outdoors Day provides an excellent opportunity to expose children and families to mountain biking, as today's young trail riders will be tomorrow's trail stewards. A recent Outdoor Industry Association study found that cycling is the top form of active outdoor recreation for children, and that mountain biking can serve as a gateway to an active outdoor lifestyle.

To find National Get Outdoors Day activities in your area, or to get involved, visit www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org.

Also, keep in mind that IMBA's annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day celebration will be held on Oct. 4, 2008.