Uncle Bob’s Self Storage at 3626 N. Broadway Ave. in Chicago is hosting a children’s fitness event on July 12 featuring Chicago Bears lineman Kyle Long. "Grow Strong With Kyle Long,” noon to 2 p.m., will promote childhood fitness and well-being through a variety of games and activities. In addition to overseeing specific events, Long will sign autographs and greet fans. Autographs will be limited to one item per person, with personal memorabilia permitted.

Uncle Bob's 16,000-square-foot parking lot will be transformed into a training center where kids will test their skills using several inflatable activity stations. Options will include a bungee run and the junior sports challenge, a multi-sport skill trainer. There will also be video-fitness training and a climb and slide game. Fresh fruit, juices and other healthy snacks will be provided. Sports Radio 670 “The Score” will provide giveaways.

Long was recently in the news after spending an afternoon with 9-year-old Andrew Oyston, a bullying victim from Huntley, Ill. Oyston has endured taunts from other children due to his weight, his father told ESPN Chicago.

"I've always loved working with kids, and fitness offers as many benefits for the mind as it does the body," Long said. "It's important to encourage good habits early on, and I'm happy to be a part of that."

In the 2013 NFL draft, Long was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears. He earned a spot in the 2014 Pro Bowl and was the first Bears offensive rookie to do so since Gale Sayers in 1965.

Uncle Bob’s Self Storage is owned by Sovran Self Storage Inc., a real estate investment trust that acquires and manages self-storage facilities. The company operates more than 500 facilities in 25 states, including 13 in the Chicago area.

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