Hornets Believe: Gray Helps Hornets Launch Bee-Fit Program for 2010-11
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com
August 25, 2010
New Orleans center Aaron Gray was a very fitting (no pun intended) choice to serve as the Hornets’ player spokesman at Wednesday’s official re-launch of a program for students in local Jefferson Parish schools. Speaking to kids at Kenner’s Audubon Elementary while introducing the Hornets’ 2010-11 “Bee-Fit” health and fitness initiative, Gray explained to youngsters how he recently shed 25 pounds during a rigorous workout regimen.
The 7-footer set a goal at the end of last season to significantly improve his conditioning and endurance by tip-off of the 2010-11 campaign. His plan included altering his diet by eating healthier and eliminating late-night snacks. He also tried to drastically reduce his sugar intake by cutting back on soft drinks.
“Not only what you eat is important, but also what you drink,” said Gray, who is only a few pounds from reaching his goal of weighing 275. “So I’ve been drinking more water and more Gatorade. I’ve also had a huge basketball regimen this summer and have continued to work out. There are so many ways you can work out without even realizing it, such as pool workouts. I try to stay active and I love being outdoors. There are so many things you can do to stay active and not even realize you’re exercising.”
While Gray’s words of wisdom were delivered to about 100 attentive elementary-aged children at Audubon Elementary, the Bee-Fit program will reach a staggering number of youngsters in the region during the 2010-11 school year.
Bee-Fit has been expanded to include all 56 elementary schools in Jefferson Parish, reaching more than 31,000 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The Hornets have teamed up with Ochsner and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to teach physical fitness, prevent childhood obesity and educate students on the importance of healthy lifestyle habits.
Throughout the 2010-11 NBA season, Hornets players and other members of the organization will be visiting Jefferson Parish schools to check on students’ progress.
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