Third Graders Receive Free Bike Helmets

Healthiest Ames has again partnered with Mary Greeley Foundation, Skunk River Cycles and Ames Community Schools to provide area third graders with free helmets to encourage safety while engaging in healthy activities.

“We hope these helmets help Ames kids safely enjoy cycling, skateboarding, riding their scooters, and other activities,” Gail Johnston said.

Distribution of helmets occurred at all five Ames CSD elementary schools. The distribution started at 9:30 am on Wednesday, May 3, beginning at Sawyer and Fellows schools, followed by Edwards, Mitchell, and Meeker.

“This amazing collaboration promotes exercise and active play while protecting our kids at the same time,” said Ann Thompson of Healthiest Ames Board. “Getting students helmets at the third grade level really helps set expectations and habits for wearing them while being active. We are so grateful to Mary Greeley Foundation and Skunk River Cycles for their support.”

Volunteers from Healthiest Ames Board of Directors and Mary Greeley Foundation fit each student and helped them select a helmet. Skunk River Cycles ordered and organized all the helmets using head measurements provided for each student.

Healthiest Ames is a volunteer group committed to promoting healthy lifestyles in Ames with the goal of making the Ames the healthiest city in Iowa. It was formally founded in 2011 and represents a variety of organizations working to improve the health and wellness of residents. The four focus areas include healthy food choices, community connectedness, health condition awareness, and physical activity.