President Barack Obama and his family, joined by the Easter Bunny, on Monday welcomed some 30,000 people for the annual Easter Egg Roll, a holiday extravaganza sponsored by the White House.

Thousands of youngsters joined in the event, whose theme this year was encouraging children to lead healthy and active lives under First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to combat childhood obesity.

“We are so thrilled that all of you could join us here today,” Mr Obama told the first group − one of five of 6,000 people who got tickets to the annual event, which dates back to 1878 and President Rutherford B. Hayes. He was also joined by his daughters Malia and Sasha and the family dog Bo, and read from the children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are.

In addition to looking for Easter eggs, the participants were invited to try an obstacle course, a yoga session or to work out with the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team.

Players and coaches from professional sports teams were on hand to teach kids how to play sports and show ways to stay active and fit.

Among the celebrities participating were movie stars Julianne Moore and Forest Whitaker. Chefs including those from the White House prepared healthy eating demonstrations.