The mission of the Badger State Games Education Program is to encourage the young people of Wisconsin to understand the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, learn how to make healthy choices and develop a lifelong interest in sport and physical activity. Facts Children today are less fit than a generation ago and are showing early signs of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, weight gain and cigarette smoking. At least half of American youth are not physically active on a regular basis.
Lack of exercise is a major reason for the growing rate of obesity among children.
Children spend an average of 17 hours per week watching TV in addition to the time they spend on video and computer games. An estimated 2.1 million adolescents age 12 to 17 are smokers. Benefits Participation in sport and physical activity leads to improvements in physical, mental and social well being. Sports provide a way to share an activity with family and friends. Daily physical activity is shown to improve muscle strength and endurance and to boost energy level.