Let the games begin! Less than two weeks before the 2012 Summer Olympic Games kick-off, Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America is teaming up with four medal-winning U.S. Olympians for the Triple Play “Summer Games” to reinforce the spirit of the Olympic Movement, and motivate youth to get active and live healthy through physical activity.
With the help of U.S. Olympic legends: Dominique Dawes, four-time Olympic Medalist (Gymnastics); Evander Holyfield, Olympic Medalist and four–time heavyweight champion (Boxing); Jackie Joyner-Kersee, three-time Olympic Medalist (Track & Field); and Gail Devers, three-time Olympic Medalist (Track & Field), more than 200 youth will receive firsthand coaching and interactive lessons designed to help them understand how sports and physical fitness can enhance their mind, body and soul.
As part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Triple Play program, sponsored by Coca-Cola and the WellPoint Foundation, the Summer Games event will engage youth in activities inspired by four of the most popular Olympic sports—gymnastics, boxing, basketball and track and field.
“One-third of U.S. children and teens are obese or overweight, so events like this one are extremely important for stressing that physical activity is both essential and fun,” said Dominique Dawes, Olympic Gold Medalist and co-chair of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. “I am honored to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s efforts, the Triple Play program, and to help these kids get excited about the Olympics. Who knows, we may end up discovering the next great Olympian hopeful here at the Triple Play Summer Games.”
Recent statistics show that one-third of U.S. children and teens are obese or overweight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that’s more than three times the number of obese and overweight children just a generation ago.
“As families, and as a nation, we need to come together to solve this growing epidemic,” said Lance Chrisman, WellPoint Foundation Director. “That’s why we continue to work with the Boys & Girls Club and with kids across the country – to help them develop the healthy habits that lead to a productive and fulfilling life.”
“We recognize that regular physical activity and nutrition awareness have numerous health benefits beyond helping with energy balance,” said Quinton Martin, Coca-Cola Community Marketing Vice President. “Our national commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America through the Triple Play program helps youth across the country live active, healthy lives.”
The games will take place in Atlanta’s 189-acre Piedmont Park. Each training station will be directed by one celebrity Olympian leading lessons and physical activities which are part of the Triple Play program. More than 200 kids, age 6-18, from the Atlanta area will receive a healthy lunch, t-shirt, wrist bands, “gold” medals and tips for physical activity and healthy decision making.
“We are thankful for the support of these incredible athletes and our generous partners who help make this event possible,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Programs such as Triple Play are essential for educating youth on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, engaging in social interactions with their peers, and making healthy decisions when it’s time to eat.
Triple Play is Boys & Girls Clubs of America signature health and wellness program. Supported by founding sponsor Coca-Cola and the WellPoint Foundation, the program encourages kids ages 6-18 to eat a balanced diet (mind), become more physically active (body) and increase their ability to engage in healthy relationships (soul).
Source: PR Newswire
