Active Kid – Spartan Kid: Karina

I am sure you have heard of Spartan Races? Yes, I am talking about a challenging course of crawling, throwing, climbing that many of us hope they could do one day. Have you heard about a similar race for kids. Kids Fit Foundation partnered with Spartan Races to put together kids’ version of the race. Both of my kids ran it last year and they absolutely fell in love with the challenges and medals. Mommy, can we do it again? Yes, it is that awesome. However, if you think your child is just not a Spartan Kids material, you are so wrong. Any kid is capable of being a Spartan Kid with some determination, and we are here to show you some of their dirty smiley faces.

Jr. Spartan Races are building more than just muscle. Just ask Karina Sabo; she was diagnosed with Ankyloglossia or being tongue-tied last year.

“She was a late talker.” Said her mother, Vanessa Sabo. “I would get upset because Karina would say, other kids ask, why can’t I talk right?”

When Karina was only 4-years-old she underwent tongue surgery to cut her Frenulum to help her speech delay. Since the surgery she attends speech therapy twice a week and has shown improvement, tell her mother. One thing that has helped build her confidence, Jr. Spartan Races. Since competing in two last year, the vivacious 5-year-old couldn’t be more confident, “It’s skyrocketed,” tell her parents. Right after her first race Karina said,

“Can I race again?”

That confidence shined through during one of the races when Karina stopped to help another little girl climb over one of the obstacle walls.

When Karina starts feeling bad or is cranky her mom will ask her, “You’re a tough Spartan right?” and Karina replies,

“Yea you’re right.”

The lil Spartan has already competed in two races and plans on doing six more this year! To train for the races she participates in gymnastics, dance and does yoga with her dad, Nick Sabo. Karina will even turn changing her twin brother’s diapers into a competition, said Vanessa.

 “She competes to see which one of us does it the fastest!”

She is inspiring the whole family to get fit. Last year, Vanessa and her husband lost a combined 140 pounds! She tried to do yoga with one of the twins, tell her mother.

“I’m training him mom,” said Karina.

Her favorite part of racing, “going in the mud pits!”

To find out more about Jr. Spartan Races visit. www.spartanrace.com

All proceeds benefit the Kids Fit Foundation.

About Kids Fit Foundation

The Kids Fit Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to funding and providing health and fitness programs for youth and their families. Through its health and fitness programs and events, the Kids Fit Foundation inspires children to develop a love for fitness at an early age. For more information, please visit www.kidsfitfoundation.org.