UK HealthCare

Jumpin' Jaguars Jog Reinforces Importance of Healthy Living

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 16, 2011) − Smiles abounded as children finished the first Jumpin' Jaguars Jog and received medals for a job well done. The UK College of Medicine hosted the Jumpin’ Jaguars Jog, in partnership with William Wells Brown Elementary School on Thursday, May 5.

The half-mile fun jog around the streets surrounding William Wells Brown Elementary School was run by not only the elementary students, but also UK medical students.  

“I am extremely proud of the medical students for organizing and conducting this special end-of-the year event for the elementary students in the Jumping Jaguar program," said Dr. Todd Cheever, assistant dean for Student Affairs at UK College of Medicine. "The message being conveyed through the event is that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle now and in the future.”

The event, which was planned and coordinated by the UK College of Medicine Class of 2012 as a class project, allowed first through fifth graders to see the results of healthy living and exercising — finishing the race, and possibly winning.

"It is such an honor to be a part of this program and see the difference it's making in the lives of the children involved," said Sarah Borders, a third-year UK medical student and co-facilitator for the event. "It's helping to encourage healthy lifestyles in a fun way that hopefully makes a lasting impression. I believe that this program is changing attitudes about eating and exercising in a monumental way."

Approximately 60 students, both medical students and William Wells Brown Elementary students, participated in the event.

"The children benefited tremendously from the race by showing them that they are capable of competing in a race, and they will see how much fun competing in an athletic event can be," said Mark Broering, a third-year UK medical student and co-facilitator for the event. "However, the students involved in the Jumpin’ Jaguars program will not be the only ones benefiting from this race.  Every person who participates in the Jumpin’ Jaguars Jog, whether as a runner or volunteer, will gain something from it." 

The event was made possible by the Emery A. Wilson, M.D., Academic Enrichment Program, in partnership with the Medical Alumni Association, which provides support to enhance the instruction and development of students in the UK College of Medicine.