Breath Games Start Saturday

The 10th Annual Breath Games for kids with asthma, ages 5 to 14, will be held Saturday at the Cal State Long Beach campus.

The Games, which includes track and field events such as obstacle runs, long jump, high jump, softball throw, shot put and metered dashes, does not require a high level of athletic skill. Parents and children alike will also learn about the health benefits of exercise for asthmatic children. (The American Lung Assn. of Los Angeles County and the Asthma & Allergy Foundation are sponsoring along with Cal State Long Beach.)

Asthma, one of the most common chronic illnesses among elementary school children, is the leading cause of school absenteeism and hospital emergency room visits, according to the American Lung Assn.

An estimated 11.7 million Americans--4.1 million of them children younger than 18--suffer from asthma.

The entry fee for the Breath Games is $15. All participants will receive a T-shirt and the first six winners in each event will earn awards.

For more information or to register for the Games, call Renee Dillon at the American Lung Assn. of Los Angeles County: (310) 422-5864.