Sarah pioneers fitness campaign

A TOWNSVILLE woman worried about obesity levels in the city’s children is leading a revolution of change.

Sarah Staunton is the driving force behind the free family event Race Youth Revolution.

“We see so many children in Townsville that are overweight,” she said. “It takes a village to raise a child and as a village Townsville is not doing a great job of keeping kids fit.”

In June the Townsville Bulletin reported the city’s kids are the heaviest in the state, with 30.7 per cent overweight or obese. In a bid to change that, The Strand Park will be transformed on Saturday from 8am with an event billed as “making fitness fun”.

The day will feature free kids’ fitness classes, including four running classes. A nutritionist and physiotherapist will be on hand to provide free advice. There will also be health stalls, a jumping castle, music and giveaway prizes.

Mrs Staunton spent weeks preparing for the event with the assistance of Townsville City Councillor Colleen Doyle.

The university student and mother of four said the event was timed to coincide with the busy Supercars Championships weekend which will see thousands of extra visitors to Townsville.

It’s something she feels passionate about and she’s put her own finances in to help get the not- for- profit event started.