2008-09 News and Features

Fit For Fun tip-off event proves to be a success at Paley PAL Center!

By: Kristen Smith

Energy was high at the Paley PAL Center in Germantown as the Sixers newest community program Fit For Fun kicked off!

Led by Sixers Ambassador of Basketball World B. Free, the Sixers Fit For Fun program encourages children to live a healthy lifestyle by staying active and eating right.

Free began the program by speaking to the group of 50 children about the importance of staying in shape. He gave tips on how one can easily stay active, such as playing basketball, riding a bike, or even dancing. He also talked about the food pyramid and proper servings.

Free did admit however that sometimes even he slips. “Occasionally I eat milk and cookies,” Free said with a smile. “But you just can’t eat that stuff all the time.”

Later, Free demonstrated the importance of staying in shape by explaining how important it was for him as a player to maintain a healthy body. “I’m 6’2, so when I had to go up against a player like Magic Johnson who is 6’9, I needed all the strength I could get. My body had to be in good shape.”

After a series of stretches, kids were split into groups based on age as they went through a four-station rotation. Kids shot lay-ups and practiced their defensive stance with Free at the first station. At the second station they played classic gym class games such as Red Rover and Steal the Bacon. The third station focused on conditioning and the last station was equipped with an obstacle course.

Each child was given a certificate for their participation, a Sixers water bottle, and a World B. Free card.

“The kids got the message that a healthy lifestyle is important,” said Community Relations Manager Mike Goings. “They now understand that staying active is not only essential to one’s life, but can also be fun. Our first Fit For Fun was a great success.”

The Sixers Fit For Fun Program is sponsored by Mid Atlantic Dairy.