By AFRO Staff
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Champion Boxer Laila Ali hosted a fitness awareness pep rally
Wednesday at the DC Armory. (Courtesy Photo)
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(March 25, 2009) - Champion Boxer Laila Ali teamed up with SUBWAY Restaurants and the National Institute of Health to host a pep rally with the We Can (Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition) program at the DC Armory in Southeast Washington Wednesday.
Ali joined Olympic Soccer player Tab Ramos in speaking with youth and signing autographs.
More than 300 elementary and middle school students participated in educational games, as well as active sports like basketball and soccer. A session was also held to coach kids and parents on how to maintain a healthy weight through better food choices and increased physical activity.
According to We Can, “Nearly one in three children in the United States is overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. Extra pounds can add up to life-long problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and, in adults, heart disease and certain cancers.”
We Can is a science-based, national movement of families and communities coming together to promote healthy weight in children ages 8 through 13 through improved food choices, increased physical activity and reduced screen time. Their pep rallies are put on to motivate kids to move while spreading important messages about how families can work together to maintain a healthy weight.