Media Contact
Maria Curreri
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
(561) 683-3287 mcurreri@bgcpbc.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Teen members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County organize first
National Fitness Competition promoting healthy lifestyles
Belle Glade, FL – August 15, 2016 – BGCA and Nestlé are challenging Clubs around the country to inspire local kids to achieve tangible short-term fitness goals. As the nation’s No. 1 advocate for youth, BGCA has set bold goals to enable more kids to achieve a great future, including logging 4 billion hours of physical activity from Club kids and teens by 2018. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County decided to take up the challenge and on August 4, 2016, they had the first summer national fitness competition at Pioneer Park Elementary School in Belle Glade, FL.
Over 350 Club members from Boca Raton, Wellington, West Palm Beach, Delray, Riviera Beach, and Belle Glade attended the event. The event was organized by the teen members and included an array of activities and presentations throughout the day. The Palm Beach County Sherriff’s K-9 unit was on site with demonstrations of police canine training and Marcia Bahia with PBSO provided information on gang prevention. The Belle Glade Fire Department was also present and conducted a Q & A session that included topics on fire, fire alarms, why police and fire fighters are present at an automobile/trucking accident and more.
James Green, Director of Outreach and Community Programming Division PBC Youth Services Department greeted the Teens, many who were part of the summer internships funded through the PBYSD, and led them in a fun round of Simon Says which flowed into chants of affirmations about self-worth and self-accomplishment. Mr. Green spoke about the value of giving back to the community through mentoring of younger members.
The day was filled with competitions that included a shuttle run, 50 yard dash, push–up, sit-up contest and hula hoop contests, sponge relay, bean bag relay, and more. A DJ played popular music and dance groups from the various Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County entertained the crowd with performances that included an African dance and drumming. The organizing teens also served lunch and drinks to everyone in attendance.
The objective of the National Fitness Challenge is to enable Clubs to host fitness competitions for kids and teen members, encourage a competitive spirit, and challenge members to achieve tangible fitness goals that will lead to healthy lifestyles.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
Founded in 1971, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for profit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment. The Clubs provide more than a safe, fun and constructive alternative to being home alone – they offer a variety of award-winning developmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem and values during critical periods of growth. The thirteen Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Palm Beach County serve more than 8,000 children ages 6-18. For more information, please visit www.bgcpbc.org or call 561-683-3287. You can also follow Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County on social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook.
