Day of Play: Grades K-5 invited to play hard, get fit, and live well

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Recreational Sports will host Day of Play from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 9, at the UW Natatorium.

Day of Play is a free event that introduces kids in grades K-5 and their families to the Rec Sports Play Hard. Get Fit. Live Well. mantra. This year, the event will coincide with Madison Metropolitan School District’s Staff Day.

Day of Play is presented by American Family Insurance, as part of the company’s recently announced partnership with Rec Sports. Rec Sports is also bringing content from Metcalfe’s Market, KIND Snacks, students in the School of Education’s Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program and several UW Sport Clubs.

Programming will include age-appropriate activities led by PETE; clinics run by various UW Sport Clubs; abbreviated fitness classes for the whole family; and a healthy eating demo session for parents run by Metcalfe’s Market. Parents and guardians will have the opportunity to observe, learn, and participate.

“We wanted to expand our programming to include the whole family this year,” Chad Schultz, Assistant Director of Instructional Programs and Staff, said. “As a university, we have a large amount of knowledge and resources available to us on campus. We want to make this event as fun as possible, but we also hope everyone will learn at least one thing while they’re here.”

Schultz oversees the student volunteers and was instrumental in developing a partnership with the PETE program.

2018 marks the fifth year of the Day of Play event, with previous events hosting over 150 participants.

“We take so much pride in the fact that it is our own UW–Madison students that plan and volunteer at this event,” Rec Sports Director John Horn said.  “I think so highly of the program that I brought my own children to it every year when they were in elementary school.  They absolutely loved it, and I hope to see many Madison area families come and spend some time in our facility.”

Pre-register your child(ren) for this event online at recsports.wisc.edu. Onsite registration will also be available. Younger siblings are welcome, and parents/guardians are required to stay for the duration of the event. Parking options are listed online. For more information, please contact Chad Schultz at chad.schultz@wisc.edu.