Kids Sports Stars

Jose

I had the privilege of attending Garcia Elementary's first day of the Kid's Sports Stars Program. There were over 30 kids eager to get started and nearly 10 parents equally as excited to join in. There were so many faces, each of them with a different story of what brought them out that morning, but one stood out.

His hair was slicked up into a short mohawk and his sweet toothless grin caught my eye. He was overweight and seemed to have the enthusiasm of a typical 3rd grader, although it was obvious after the first lap he tired much quicker than the other kids. He seemed like such a kind-hearted boy - I had to resist the urge to squeeze him and pinch his cheeks.

His father brought him and, being physically unable to join his son around the field, remained on the sidelines to offer words of encouragement and water as his very determined boy circled the track. As we stood there watching, I learned a little bit more about Jose.

He had been so excited since the program was announced that he reminded his father every day they needed to be at the school at 7:15 a.m. on Monday. He had decided running would be a good way to lose weight and Monday couldn't come soon enough.

KSS was something Jose chose to do on his own, although his father told me he had been teased about his weight by some kids at school. Whether the motivation came from his own desire to be healthier, from the teasing, or a combination of both; this brave little 8-year-old did something positive with his frustration and hurt and made a decision to deal with it in a healthy manner! (I couldn't help but think of Jose when I read the quote at the top of this page. I hope you feel honored to be part of something that helps these kids build that "foundation"!)

The program has just begun, and I can't tell you exactly what the impact will be on Jose, but our experience tells us that so many kids have already increased their self-esteem and have had great success physically, mentally, socially, and acacemically as a result of the healthy lifestyle and self-worth KSS promotes. I expect the same for Jose.

I'll check in on him from time to time during the year and let you know how he's doing.

Jonathan

Jonathan was 180 pounds when he entered the 4th grade! He was interested in sports, but at that weight, it's nearly impossible to participate.

He learned about the Kids Sports Stars supported marathon challenge running program, Kids Rock, at his school (in inner city Phoenix's Creighton School District). Even at his weight, Jonathan felt it was something he could do.

Through KSS, he learned more about exercise and nutrition. He cut out all junk food and began to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats in his diet. In addition to running, he has joined a soccer team and exercises on his own when he's not participating in a formal program. He now reads fitness and body building magazines and hopes to be a boxer some day!

His dedication to a healthy lifestyle hasn't just affected him - Jonathan has educated his family about the benefits of eating right and exercising and continues to encourage them to make changes in their own lives!

At the end of his 5th grade year, Jonathan is a much leaner 117 pounds and has a dedication to a healthy lifestyle that most of us only wish we had at his age. He has lost over 60 pounds in the two years he has been a KSS participant - and has not only changed his own lifestyle, but has encouraged others to follow his example.

Along with having a healthy body, he has seen the results of his hard work and dedication and experienced the pride that comes with accomplishing something that was seemingly impossible - a valuable lesson for success in all areas of life and a priceless confidence builder for a young boy (and future boxer)!

Alex

Alex was a troublemaker. His teacher struggled to keep him on task in class and he bullied kids on the playground. He is sharp and full of energy. Unfortunately, all that energy was going in the wrong direction. No one seemed to know how to change the course that Alex was on.

Somewhere along the way Alex got involved in Kids Sports Stars. At first, he just went through the motions - running after his lunch. As the weeks passed, something started to change. Maybe it was the positive attention showered on him by volunteers and staff as he clicked away each lap. Maybe it was the new friends he made as they circled the track together. Maybe running was the outlet he needed to channel all that extra energy in a positive direction. I would guess it was some combination of all those factors.

Today, things are very different for Alex - and for the people around him. Everyone reports that he is a complete joy to be around! Running has been the catalyst that has changed this young boy's life. Instead of being disruptive in class and earning poor grades, he is able to focus better in the classroom. He will now have a chance to learn the basic elementary school skills that he will use in his daily life, for the rest of his life. Instead of bullying, he is developing positive relationships with his peers - a skill that will help him build the relationships that will provide support and encouragement through life's ups and downs. Can you imagine the impact this will have on Alex's future?

Although we can measure the immediate and tangible changes in the kids that participate in KSS (such as reduction in weight, improved cardiovascular fitness, increased parental involvement, etc.), the intangible changes are lifelong and hard to measure. What we can tell, though, is that Alex is well on his way to a brighter future. From a bully to a joy - I think we can all agree that's a very positive and drastic change!

John

"Growing up is difficult enough without the added physical and mental drain of obesity."

As I stood punching cards to track each child's laps, a young boy sprinted toward me and dropped to the ground, red-faced and winded. As he lay on the grass giggling in delight at his dramatic finish, he pretended to use the last of his energy to frantically wave his purple punch card so he would receive credit for his final lap around the field.

As I looked down at him, it was obvious that this lively 10-year-old sprawled at my feet would soon outweigh me. My mind wandered to the future that he might have.

Without proper nutrition and exercise, studies show he would become increasingly lethargic, be unable to concentrate in school, unable to maintain his health, unmotivated to do anything to change his situation, unable to live up to the potential that I could see in him.

On that field, I also saw a determined, vibrant kid with a playful spirit. He was having a great time with his friends while he decreased his body weight and chance of developing diabetes, and increased his self-esteem, cardiovascular health, and ability to concentrate in school. He is obese now, but that will change as he continues the program and continues to develop a healthier lifestyle.

Growing up is difficult enough without the added physical and mental drain of obesity. With your support, he has been given the opportunity to reverse a problem that he is too young to conquer on his own. You have provided a helping hand to this child and to so many others! Thank you for your concern for the children of our community and your continued support of Kids Sports Stars!

Anthony

He said the program "saved him."

Anthony had a secret. At first, he didn’t share his secret with anyone. Maybe he was afraid of being ostracized by his classmates or even his teachers. Anthony loves school and participated enthusiastically in the marathon walking/running challenge supported by KIDS SPORTS STARS at his school. Not only did he excel, but he was also an inspiration to others. He did so well that he was one of twenty-one children chosen as an ALL STAR. It was only after the program ended that Anthony’s secret became known. Anthony is homeless and was living in a car throughout the program. He said the program "saved him."

Juan

"I feel accepted."

Juan (not his real name) was born with multiple disabilities. While he has never been able to keep up with other kids, he has never stopped trying. He has grown used to the stares of other children and even the occasional taunt from a really mean kid. When the Kids Rock program was introduced to his school last year Juan was determined to participate. What he found was that his efforts won him the respect and admiration of his classmates. They realized that Juan was not so different. For the first time in his life Juan felt accepted.

Breelle Lugo

"I will be in the 5th grade next year and I will be in track. I am proud of that…..I want to keep going"

Breelee has lots to smile about in this picture with Lyn St James (legendary race car driver). In this picture, Breelee has just finished riding in a Lamborghini and receiving an award for completing the four month marathon walking/running challenge at the Creighton School District . "I like the event. I liked driving in the cars the best. I did feel special." Breelle, who likes math and hip hop, jogged at school during breaks and also ran with her sisters around the block at home almost every day to log the 26.4 miles to complete the marathon. "Mom and Dad work (that’s it) but we did like the family nights” where they learned about nutrition and healthy eating. "I will be in the 5th grade next year and I will be in track. I am proud of that…..I want to keep going".

Nora and Juan

“I found out that running is good for you and eating healthier is good for you. I like to exercise. I feel good.”

Nora and Juan helped create a wonderful family success story! They are siblings who both signed up for the KIDS SPORTS STARS program at their school. Their Mom came to parent evenings and learned about healthy foods and good exercise. She started to change the family's eating habits and encouraged everyone in the family to walk regularly. The entire family got involved walking with Nora and Juan before and after school and on weekends. Now the Mom knows that exercise and nutritious food are vital for having a healthy life. Their mother’s involvement in the program was critical for Nora and Juan…..thanks to her support they ran and walked more than 70 miles together in the fall marathon challenge program and were selected as ALL STARS in the program.

Brooke

“I’m feeling better about myself, because I’m getting in shape.”

My name is Brooke …. Going to the YMCA made me feel better about myself because I was exercising and losing weight. It helped build my self-esteem. Water aerobics was one of my favorite activities to do at the YMCA. It was a new experience for me and many of the other girls. I really appreciate that we got the opportunity to experience a variety of things most of us never even new about.” Brooke, age 18, Florence Crittenton


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