First step toward the medal stand? Off the couch

The Olympics are thrilling, aren't they? But the road to Beijing didn't run through a Game Boy.

Video games, fatty diets and declining physical education programs are giving us kids less likely to compete in the Olympics, and more likely to break a sweat watching them. Athletics aren't just about glory. They can set your child on course to a healthier body and a more active life. But, once you get them out from behind the joystick, where can they go to try a real sport on for size?

Today, in Scottsdale, local kids can taste the thrill of victory and check the entropy of their feet.

EXERCISE EXPO

Super Sports Saturday, a family-friendly expo at Cactus Park, allows young and startup athletes a crack at sports they may only know from TV. "We're going to have skill tests in basketball, hockey, football, soccer and more," Chelo Leyva explains. Leyva, the assistant recreation coordinator for the city of Scottsdale, says Super Sports Saturday is designed as a no-stress way for kids to try the mechanics of various activities and see if they feel a connection. "It's all about introducing yourself to new sports and having fun."

Super Sports Saturday will forgo formal games in favor of short challenges that participants can play together or alone. "In basketball, for example, we'll have a 'hot shot' contest - players will try to hit shots from different spots on the court in a given time frame." Leyva says. Hockey will follow a similar slap shot format; football will offer its traditional punt, pass and kick challenge; and aspiring soccer players can test their feet at a precision kick drill. "That's a fun one," she says. "You'll be trying to hit inflatable guys."

The activities are designed for kids 4 years and older. Players can also compete against their parents, siblings or friends. "It isn't about competition at this point but giving the kids a feel for the games." But players who need incentive can play for tickets to a host of raffle prizes. "We have tickets for Diamondbacks, Coyotes and Roadrunners games," she says. "The Mercury donated family passes, and we have passes to the Phoenix Zoo."

If these don't pry the Wii from your child's tiny hands, maybe a chance to tackle the obstacle course, scale the climbing wall, or chill down the Cactus Park slip-n-slide will seal the deal.

SPORTS D'OEUVRES

Free of charge, and open to all East Valley residents, Super Sports Saturday is Scottsdale's weapon against the rising tide of armchair athletes and overweight kids. "One of our main objectives is to get families active again," Leyva explains. "We're really concerned about the rising obesity rates in both youth and adults." With fewer schools offering physical education classes on a daily basis, kids are more drawn to passive pursuits: television screens, text boards and video games. Super Sports Saturday works as a sports sampler platter; an activity hors d'oeuvre tray, that might keep kids from hitting real hors d'oeuvre trays too hard.

Leyva hopes a little hands-on contact will win some kids over. "You really have to try a sport to know if it's right for you. Real basketball, or real tennis is much different - and much more healthy - than playing it on the Wii." The battle for healthy kids can't be won in a day, so Scottsdale will offer additional Sports Saturdays in the fall: Oct. 11 at Scottsdale Ranch Park; Nov. 15 at Rio Montana Park; and Dec. 13 at Eldorado Park.

Leyva wants the event to establish itself as a first point of contact between kids and sports. "We're hoping, once kids get a taste of actually playing the games, they'll want to pursue them on an organized level."

Super Sports Saturday

What: Family-friendly skill challenges in basketball, football, soccer, and hockey

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday

Where: Cactus Park, 7202 E. Cactus Road, Scottsdale

Cost: Free

Information: (480) 312-2771 or www.scottsdaleaz.gov