Lakeland High School junior and captain of the varsity boys track and field team, Kunal Shah, is combating childhood obesity through an event he has organized at the high school this Saturday.
Shah, 17, is putting on the first annual Mini Olympics event on June 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is free and open to all children grades 1 through 6. It will feature eight modified track and field events – mile run, half mile run, 100 meter dash, foam hurdles, softball throw, frisbee throw, long jump and high jump.
"I feel that it is important for children to be introduced to the underrated sport of track and field, as they may discover a talent or develop a life-long passion that would much improve their quality of life," he said.
Shah's own passion began at an early age. He has been competing at track meets since she was 10 years old. At home, he has a whole cabinet full of medals and awards he has received over the years.
But it wasn't until his parents insisted that he gets off the couch, stops playing games, and becomes more active.
Then, when he was 11 years old, he won his first gold medal. He felt a "great sense of satisfaction" and dedicated himself to being a better athlete, he said.
"It made sense to me that track and field is a big metaphor for life," Shah said. "Staying on track will keep me on track."
He hopes to instill that same passion for running among other children and help them lead better, more active lives.
"Obesity is the number one problem teenagers face today," Kunal said. "Our mission is to target and prevent obesity by administering athletic programs, this year a Mini Olympics, to promote health and nutrition to younger children and adolescents."
The Mini Olympics is sponsored by Shah's non-profit organization Stay on Track, which he founded in March 2013. At the event, each participant will receive a "Star Performer" ribbon; the winners in each of the eight events will receive a gold medal; and the six athletes (three girls and three boys) with the most amount of points will receive a trophy.
"The Mini Olympics exemplifies the competitive and beneficial aspects of a track meet, while simultaneously making it fun and safe for children," Shah said.
Shah, who is applying to Ivy League schools, said he hopes he can leave a lasting impression at his school by having his Mini Olympics event become an annual tradition.
"It is a positive force and I feel like it will definitely be a change for the community," he said.
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