Ready, Sweat, Go!

Jacksonville Jaguars football head coach Jack Del Rio has found a personal way to help military children. Earlier in the year, Del Rio learned that the military children attending public schools in the Jacksonville area ranked near the bottom in the nation in physical fitness as measured by the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Test. Alarmed by the implications to the health of the many military children in the area, the Jack Del Rio Foundation created the “Ready, Sweat, Go!” program, aimed at promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

On Oct. 5, Jaguars players Leger Douzable, William Middleton and Zach Potter launched the program by coming to teach participants the proper way to do the activities in the Physical Fitness Test, such as sit-ups, push-ups, and jump rope.  The goal is to pass the fitness test in March 2011.

Seven weeks later, many of the children who spent their after-school time in the Naval Station Mayport fitness center were making great progress and it was time for a reward. Nearly 100 children were recognized at Mayport’s Youth Activity Center for their participation in Del Rio’s program.

Jacksonville Jaguars football players Brock Bolen and Kevin Haslam came to the youth center to give autographs, handed out prizes and talk with the children.  Every participant received a certificate but some went home with great prizes, such as autographed footballs and tickets to a Jaguars game. 

“We’re very fortunate to have the Jack Del Rio Foundation because it promotes a healthy lifestyle to these kids,” said Capt. Doug Cochrane, commanding officer, Naval Station Mayport. “This program involves physical activity, nutrition and success. The kids really look up to these guys and it has an impact on them. They also portray these players as role models at the same time!”

 “Everyone did their best and I’m very proud of every one of you,” Del Rio said at the awards ceremony.. “It’s important to be active and this is something to get you together and encourage each other, but also to have fun.” 

(source: Jacob Sippel, “Mayport Kids Recognized for Hard Work”)