Monarchs players Courtney Paris and Whitney Boddie hosted a Monarchs Fit Clinic in partnership with University of Phoenix on Monday.

Children from the After School START Program at Bannon Creek Elementary School participated in a clinic that focused on providing the positive benefits of exercise, good nutrition and a positive attitude.

The WNBA embraces its responsibility as the preeminent women’s professional sports league with powerful role models to continue to deliver important messages and programs related to the areas of health, fitness, nutrition and self esteem.

"I thought it went really well. I know I had a lot of fun and it looked like the kids had a lot of fun too,” said Monarchs center Courtney Paris with a smile. Courtney also added that “My parents pushed me to not just sit around and play inside with video games and on the computer, but to get out and be active. It’s important for kids these days to know that because now with all the technology there are so many things to do other than to get outside and be active and this is a good way for them to learn that.”

All children were given goodie bags and other giveaway items from University of Phoenix and the Monarchs. WNBA Fit encourages teens and women of all ages to learn more about their bodies and the importance of physical fitness. Programming has been developed to encourage teens and women to get started on “being fit” through small changes in their daily regimen.