A few months ago I got asked to volunteer at the Fuel Up To Play 60 Rally for School Health as a referee. I had to think about it for all of 5 seconds before I knew I was going to say yes. After all, this event included going to Ford Field and doing activities down on the field. Throw in we get to talk about drinking milk and eating dairy products and I consider that a great day.
When the 30 schools started arriving at Ford Field early in the morning the excitement became undeniable. The elementary and middle school kids were bouncing around thrilled to get their day started. Even though the day was supposed to be fun, there is more to it than the kids just having fun. The entire day focused around arming the kids with knowledge about eating healthy and exercising.
By having retired professional Detroit Lions Herman Moore and Jason Hanson talk about how eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of low-fat dairy products fuels their bodies for healthy living and exercise the kids got geared up for the day. Jump with Jill taught kids about a balanced diet through high energy singing and dancing. They learned how to apply healthy tools to improve their school environment for fellow students. One of my favorite parts was learning about how to keep your brain active all day by either getting up and moving around regularly or by doing different brain activities that help engage both sides of the brain. I definitely could have used that when I was in school.
The highlight of the day was the 60 minutes of exercise down on Ford Field and the finale of doing a dance routine on the field with Jump with Jill. The Detroit Lions coaching staff did an amazing job of getting the kids active, making the exercise fun, interacting with the kids in a relatable and keeping them moving. Just being down on the field was an amazing experience in itself but then to get to run drills with the Lion’s coaching staff, current players and retired players is something a kid will never forget.
From the perspective of a dairy farmer I was thrilled to see all of these kids engaged and excited to learn about healthy eating and exercise. The impact this event can have is something I have never seen before. The committee takes the time to give kids take aways they can use everyday and teach them how to implement these ideas and techniques back home in their schools. The goal is to improve each school through student involvement.
If one of your local schools have never participated in the Rally for School Health, I highly encourage you to help them. If you would like more information about all of the Fuel Up to Play 60 activities in Michigan check out this website. Thank you to the Detroit Lions for hosting the group, to the United Dairy Industry of Michigan for asking me to participate and to the committee who helped plan this amazing event.
Thank you so much for the best time! We will definitely use the experience to teach and inspire others! Very fortunate to have had you as our ref! Thanks again!
Thank you so much Melissa! I had a blast with your group. I am so glad you could come and experience it.