Aurora fifth-grader wins Icelandic adventure through anti-obesity program

Cod and black bread anyone? How about a hike up a glacier or an afternoon of whale-watching?

An Aurora fifth-grader will soon get the chance to try out these Nordic delights after winning a five-day trip for two to Iceland on Wednesday for his efforts to eat healthfully and stay physically active. The Kenton Elementary School student earned the grand prize through 5th Gear Kids, a wellness program for fifth-graders launched last fall in the Aurora and Cherry Creek school districts.  Icelandair is one of the program’s prize partners.

5th Gear Kids, which was available to 6,700 fifth-graders this year, is funded by the Colorado Health Foundation and run by the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado and the two school districts. Students earn points in the program by doing sports, using recreation facilities, choosing healthy foods at King Soopers and ordering healthier menu items at restaurants like McDonalds and Subway.