(WIBW) - An annual essay contest aims to get young people thinking about living a health life.

Gov. Mark Parkinson announced the HealthyKansas program will once again sponsor the 2010 Sunflower State Games Essay Contest.

“Encouraging our children to get active while they are young can be one of the most important things we can do to ensure they remain healthy throughout their lives,” Parkinson said. “Staying healthy is not only good for your body, it’s good for your wallet. It reduces the likelihood of expensive medical problems and costly diseases.”

This year’s essay contest topics reflect the Olympic spirit. Grades 1-3 will write on “which of the 2010 Winter Olympics sports would you most like to play and why?” Grades 4-6 will answer “who is your favorite athlete from the 2010 Winter Olympics and why?”

The contest is open to all Kansas first through sixth grade students. Winners will receive a Sunflower State Games gold medal, plaque and official t-shirt, a Barnes and Noble gift card, a $50 savings bond and an opportunity to read their essay at the Sunflower State Games VIP Reception on July 8, 2010.

Entries are due by April 2, 2010 and can be mailed or emailed to:
The Sunflower State Games
820 S. Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612
Fax: (785)235-1308
sunflowergames@sbcglobal.net

For complete contest rules, please visit: www.healthykansas.org/events.aspx or www.sunflowergames.com.

The HealthyKansas program is focused on encouraging children in schools, adults in the workplace and seniors in their community to make simple, but powerful lifestyle changes.