Children’s fitness enthusiast visits Malmstrom, works with youth

  • Published
  • By 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Sandy "Spin" Slade, famous basketball handler, author and motivational speaker, visited the Malmstrom Youth Center June 28 and 29 to work with youth and families, and demonstrate the concepts of her Skillastics program. During her visit, Ms. Slade held workshops with the Exceptional Family Member program, School-age Summer Camp and also opened the demonstration up to the base.

"We are delighted to have Ms. Slade showcase her skills and knowledge with our youth here," said Cynthia Berg, Youth Center director. "We have so many fitness related activities coming up at the Youth Center, such as the Fit Families Program and Fit Factor, and it's an amazing opportunity to have her come in and share her program and educate people about the importance of being active and in a fun environment."

According to their website, the Skillastics program is a series of standards-based fitness games and sport-specific activity kits that allow 1 to 100 children of varying ages and fitness levels to participate and enjoy being active at one time. Skillastics was introduced in 2003, and since then more than 13,000 schools, after-school programs and youth organizations have taken advantage of it. The programs distribution has expanded world-wide.

The Skillastics program is built for different skill levels and promotes being physically active in a variety of ways through the specific games and sports kits provided with each activity. One of those levels demonstrated with the Exceptional Family Member program.

"Sandy used Half-pint Skillastics with the Exceptional Family Member Program," said Kathy Desy, family member programs flight chief. "This allowed the children to explore a variety of movement skills and encouraged them to use their imagination. Half-pint promotes individual skill development, practices coordination and develops social group interaction."

During her time at the Youth Center, Ms. Slade shared various other Skillastics programs with the summer camp and those members of the base who came out. Some of the other programs included soccer, basketball and fitness. Those programs are designed to keep the group moving together, build confidence, facilitate cooperation, provide cardiovascular benefits and instill positive exercise habits that can last a lifetime.

"Sandy is a ball of energy and you can't help but get caught up in the energy and enthusiasm," Ms. Desy said. "Her programs give all youth an opportunity to excel regardless of their physical ability or capability."


For more information on Sandy Slade and the Skillastics program, visit the website at www.skillastics.com.

To find out more about activities at the Youth Center, call 731-4634, or stop by the facility.