The Arena Building was a hub of activity Wednesday as the Cartoon Network and Move It Movement Tour rolled into town to promote healthier lifestyles for children 6 to 14.

Attempting to reduce America's childhood obesity rate, the tour motivates youngsters to "get out from in front of the television, be active and make healthier nutrition choices," said Neal Gilb, spokesman for local sponsor Charter Communications.

At one end of the floor, a basketball hoop was lowered to adult eye level and 4-year-old Chassidy Harris tried to make a basket. The ball fell far short of the rim, but Chassidy tried again.

Again it fell short, but Chassidy said it was still fun.

Elliott Sterling of Cape Girardeau brought his son, Carter, and Carter's best friend, Justin Robinson. "They're both 9. They spend a lot of time together in the summer." He said that when he saw the Arena Park sign on his way to work, the tour looked like something "really cool to go to."

"And it is," he said, as he watched the boys wend their way through the games and activities.

Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation director Dan Muser said the event "fit in well" with the "tykes to teens" activities offered at the park. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host an event like this to promote healthy, active lifestyles."

According to U.S. government statistics, over the past three decades the childhood obesity rate has tripled, reaching above 30 percent in some states. Disease related to excess weight costs the United States about $150 billion each year, and one-third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at sometime in their lives. Other obesity-related health issues include high blood pressure, cancer, asthma and heart disease.

Obesity is now a common disqualifiers for military service, according to the government.

Tour manager Eddie Villarroel shepherded the tour from its mid-April opening through nearly three dozen cities, spreading the message from Virginia to Washington State on the way to its Cape Girardeau finale. The event was moved inside the Arena Building because the heat index topped 100 degrees Wednesday.

"We first planned to set up outside, but we were moved inside," Villarroel said as he praised park employees Mark Newell and Marcia Stone for their help. "It was good for us and good for the children."

"Everyone here has been just super," he added.

On the Web:

http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/promos/mim/

http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/advocacy/letsmoveinschool/

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/02/09/making-moves-a-healthier-generation