UCAM, through its  UCAM Research Centre for High Performance Sport (CIARD), has launched the ‘Happy Kids’ project in collaboration with the Gasol Foundation, the Centro Tecnológico del Metal, Copele and Equipamientos para Entorno Urbano. This initiative, which aims to reduce childhood obesity through adapted physical exercise, has commenced its first phase at the San Vicente de Paúl Catholic School in El Palmar, which belongs to the Fundación Alma Mater.

This project, funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Spain) funded with over €600,000, focuses on a novel strength-oriented training approach specifically designed for children aged 5-12 years. ‘It is a very inclusive training, as it allows any child, whether overweight or not, to participate, and it is proving to be one of the most effective at international level,’ said Pedro Emilio Alcaraz, professor in Sports Science and director of CIARD, who also highlighted the programme's expansive vocation: ‘We want to take this type of training beyond the school, to playgrounds, so that parents can also get involved.’

From the Gasol Foundation project, technician Antonio María Cardoso underlined the importance of this initiative to combat current sedentary habits: ‘More and more children spend their free time without physical activity. This project provides them with a safe and attractive environment to exercise, socialise and improve their mental and emotional health.’ Cardoso explained that the development of the activity will include an initial and final evaluation to measure the physical and emotional impact on the children.

The design of the machinery used is done by the Centro Tecnológico del Metal, with the participation of companies specialising in equipment for the urban environment. Agustín Guillén, an engineer in the project area, explained that it is a ‘playful machine, aesthetically adapted for children, which combines elements of games and healthy exercise.’ The equipment has been specially developed for this pilot phase of the project.

Having chosen the San Vicente de Paúl School as the initial centre was the result of the close links between UCAM and the Fundación Alma Mater. José Ángel Serrano, head teacher of primary education, pointed out that ‘the school has been promoting healthy habits for years, and this project will reinforce this line of work from an early age with structured and beneficial physical activity.’

Families have also shown a high degree of involvement. Aychel Roura Piloto, mother of one of the participating students, expressed her satisfaction: ‘The fact that this type of programme is implemented in the school makes the children more involved and understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. They are very excited and motivated to start.’

The ‘Happy Kids’ researchers hope to replicate this study in the coming years with other schools and public spaces in the Region of Murcia. UCAM and its partners hope that this study will serve as a basis for future policies to promote children's health.