Inaugural Sports Explosion Spreads Health and Wellness Awareness
By Kyle Pottinger, jrsuns.com
Posted on: October 1, 2007
"I declare today Phoenix Day of Play”, stated Phoenix Mayor Gordon, with Olympia Scott and the WNBA Championship Trophy at his side, to kick of the inaugural Sports Explosion at Paradise Valley Park on Saturday. The event brought together athletes, sports advocates, kids, and health and wellness groups alike to celebrate being active and staying healthy.
Appearances by elite athletes such as Mark West, Bridget Pettis, Olympia Scott, and Seth Joyner added to the excitement of an electrifying morning. Kids had the opportunity to hang out with the stars while also participating in interactive games and activities around the park. With clinics ranging from a Mercury Hip Hop Squad dance clinic to Kim Hayashi’s BMX racing class, there was surely something there to captivate everyone’s interests.
The Jr. Suns and Mercury also took part in the fun filled day by taking the Phoenix Suns Toyota Tundra out to the event where kids played different games on the court located at the back of the truck throughout the morning. Games like 3-on-3 and knockout are just a couple of the many activities that took place at the Jr. Suns booth.
Other professional sports teams who were enthusiastic about participating in the Day of Play were the Diamondbacks, Rattlers, Cardinals, Coyotes and Roadrunners, all of which had booths and activities for kids. The great support from the many organizations that came out to the event demonstrated the importance of encouraging kids to do more than just sit around and play sports through video games – they need to get outside and be active to stay healthy.
Jennifer Gillom also made an appearance at the Sports Explosion. Gillom, who is a former Mercury player and WNBA All-star, discussed how sports helped her throughout her life. “My mom always encouraged me to go outside and play”, stated the now retired Gillom. “As a result I was able to get a free college education, travel the world, and achieve many of my goals.” After her speech, Gillom conducted a basketball clinic for kids with the help of the ASU women’s basketball team.
Joshua Stevens, 11, enjoyed learning about why staying active is important and participating in the many games and clinics that took place during the morning.
Winner of one of the many knockout contests held during the morning, Stevens stated “it is important to play basketball and be active because you have a lot of fun and stay healthy.”
As the exhilarating morning drew to a close kids were reminded to continue to partake in athletic activities and be active. The inaugural Sports Explosion was a huge success, providing people of all ages with a variety of games, clinics, and activities. It is obvious that the Phoenix Day of Play is not one that will not soon be forgotten.
