A group of athletes are preparing to run a race at the Chautauqua Striders Youth Track and Field Development program Thursday, held at Strider field, 95 Martin Road. During the program, student athletes learn and compete in a variety of track and field events such as sprints, long-distance races, long jump, high jump, shot put, hurdles and free play games -and learn about living healthy active lives. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

Much like an Olympic runner, the Chautauqua Striders is trying to help youth in its program to finish strong this summer.

The Striders’ Youth Track and Field Development program is designed for children ages 5 to 14 years. During the program, student athletes learn and compete in a variety of track and field events such as sprints, long-distance races, long jump, high jump, shot put, hurdles and free play games.

“We’ve seen significant growth in our program,” said Lexi Lindamer, Striders director of athletics. “Last year we had 55 program participants and this year we have 104.”

Lindamer also explained that the program has loftier goals than just exposing student athletes to the sport of track and field.

“We hope to teach our students about living a healthy and active lifestyle,” she said. “The benefits of living a healthy lifestyle versus a sedimentary one.”

Childhood obesity has become a national health crisis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle go hand-in-hand, especially when dealing with pediatric obesity. One in 5 U.S. children and adolescents are obese. From 2017 to March 2020, the prevalence of obesity among U.S. children and adolescents was 19.7%. This means that 14.7 million U.S. children aged 2-19 years have obesity; In 2019 dollars, the estimated annual medical cost of obesity among U.S. children was $1.3 billion. Medical costs for children with obesity were $116 higher per person per year than for children with healthy weight. Medical costs for children with severe obesity were $310 higher per person per year than for children with healthy weight.

“Getting children out in the fresh air, running and having fun is definitely a goal of our program,” said Lindamer.

The high-quality nature of the program has garnered accolades from some of the parents and guardians of the student athletes, who participate each week.

“This program is an asset for our community,” said Lindsey Weaver, a guardian of two program participants. “I love how at the end of the night my kids are worn out – and it’s quiet in the car during our ride home.”