(Cont.)
Jasmine is all smiles thanks to a little
help from her friend William and the
Triple Play program (top); members of
the BGCs of Nash/Edgecombe Counties
practice their skills on the volleyball
court and in the gamesroom (above).
|
Reaping the Results
Back in Rocky Mount, Club members are benefiting
from all aspects of Triple Play.
“Healthy Habits helps us make good decisions about
what we eat,” says Danielle, 13. “It also helps us
maintain healthy body weight when we become older.”
One of the first steps the Rocky Mount Club took was
to limit the amount of high-calorie foods in the
facility. The Club began offering healthier snacks and
asked parents who send refreshments to do the same.
The Club reinforces healthy eating concepts by
integrating them into other activities. “We learn about
Healthy Habits during our gym time,” says Ja’Quez, 9.
“I learn about smart food choices while playing and
having fun.”
Club members are not the only ones learning how to
make smart eating choices. “Many of our kids’ families
and Club staff have taken a more health-conscious
approach to daily living,” says Club director Johnson.
The Body component is also making a big difference.
“It helps us to exercise and get in shape,” says
Quinisha, 16. “It also provides us with an opportunity
to develop sportsmanship and teamwork skills.”
Finally, Club members are also embracing the Soul of
Triple Play. “I really enjoy spending time socializing
with my friends and competing against staff and
parents during Family Nights,” says 14-year-old
Teniesha. “As a member of the Triple Play Sports Club,
I help plan activities for Family Nights. The
gamesroom tournaments and volleyball games have
been a lot of fun.”
A Happy Ending
And what of Jasmine and her quest for the volleyball
team? With help from William and his fellow
Keystoners, the Club used Triple Play to develop a
comprehensive summer fitness program that included
workouts, mini-sports and conditioning clinics, and
the Healthy Habits curriculum. Jasmine was the first
Club member on board with the new program.
“She worked very hard last summer to accomplish her
goal,” says Johnson. “By the end of the summer, she
was a skilled athlete, had improved her eating habits
and had an enormous sense of self-worth, combined
with confidence.”
The result? This school year, Jasmine not only made
her school volleyball and softball teams – she was
named co-captain of both.
Brian Hill is director of public relations for BGCA. |
