As part of its growing partnership with the Los Angeles Chargers, Orange County United Way paired up with the football team to treat more than 180 local students to a special day of football and fun – showing local children active and healthy lifestyles.

On Monday, March 18, the Play 60 Junior Chargers Training Camp headed to Paul Revere Elementary School in Anaheim where Orange County United Way implemented his first Impact Hub, with the support of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund.

In line with Orange County United Way’s Healthy Schools Initiative, the mission of the Play 60 camp is to make a positive impact on youth through teaching football skills and emphasizing the importance of getting 60 minutes of physical activity a day in a safe and fun environment.

During the first 60-minute session, 90 Paul Revere students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, participated in five skill-based activities set up in the schoolyard, ranging from run, pass and catch exercises to encouraging each other and having fun. The second 60-minute session welcomed 90 students in 2nd grade.

Paul Revere Elementary School students in Anaheim practiced fun exercise movements, learning the importance of physical activity.

Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund members Antonella Castro and Cinda Churm came off the bench to participate as volunteers for the training camp. They provided encouragement and motivation while leading students through the fun group activities.

A number of special guests also came out to be a part of the special one-day event, including Superintendent of Anaheim Elementary School District Christopher Downing, Orange County Department of Education executives Jeff Hittenberger, Chief Academic Officer and Orange County United Way Board Member, and Chris Corliss, Coordinator Health, Physical Activity and Physical Education, along with eight associates from Eaton Aerospace who volunteered their time to model healthy habits for the students.

Orange County United Way volunteers and Los Angeles Chargers staff members encouraged students to live active and healthy lifestyles.

Although Orange County has a reputation for good health and for being one of the most affluent communities in the nation, there is a high disparity between family income and the cost of living, which strongly affects the health of those living in economically disadvantaged areas. With one-third of Orange County children overweight or obese, Orange County United Way is committed to cutting the childhood obesity rate by one-third in Orange County by 2024.

Students who are physically active do better academically, are more likely to graduate from high school on time and attend college or post-secondary education and grow up to be healthy, productive adults.

Conclusion

Through partnerships like this with the Los Angeles Chargers, Orange County United Way is doing more to ensure the overall success and well-being of every child here in Orange County. With the Healthy Schools Initiative, United Way and its partners are working together to create beneficial school environments to ensure the overall prosperity and success of each child.

Are you ready to invest in the health of Orange County’s future?