Players from the Seattle Storm visited kids at the Northshore YMCA on July 20 to host a “Be Smart - Be Fit - Be Yourself” clinic. Betty Lennox, the spokesperson for the program, Iziane Castro Marques, Natalia Vodopyanova and Tanisha Wright all participated in the clinic designed to teach young girls and women the importance of fitness, nutrition and positive self-esteem. Storm assistant Coach Jessie Kenlaw and YMCA nutritionist Erin Zimniewicz were also present.

“I really enjoy being involved in the Seattle community,” said Kenlaw. “Shaping young girls’ lives is such rewarding responsibility and being able to share the messages of self-esteem with the girls and women on Northshore YMCA was a great experience.”

Over 50 girls between the ages of 10-12 attended the fun, interactive Be Fit clinic. Lennox and assistant coach Kenlaw talked with the girls about the importance of a healthy heart and lead the participants through a mini obstacle course. The girls of Northshore YMCA also learned proper weight lifting techniques from Storm newcomers Iziane Castro Marques and Natalia Vodopyanova. Rookie guard Tanisha Wright made sure the kids stretched before and after their abdominal exercises. Nutritionist Erin Zimniewicz closed the event with a discussion on food portion control, hydration and pregame nutrition.

Betty gets their hearts pumping at the cardio station. Wyjuana Montgomery/Storm Photos.

When all of the Be Fit clinic participants finished their station rotations, the panel opened up for a question and answer session. Be Fit T-shirts and Storm visors were awarded to those who answered questions correctly. There was even a prize given out to a young lady that could correctly pronounce Natalia’s last name!

“Being a mentor is so much fun,” said Lennox. “These kids were excited to participate in the clinic and they even learned how to maintain a healthy body with fitness and nutrition.”

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. WNBA Be Smart-Be Fit-Be Yourself 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. The program serves as a year-long “call to action” for teens and women to make a commitment to being fit and healthy.

Participants listen to Erin talk about the benefits of proper nutrition. Wyjuana Montgomery/Storm Photos.

Natalia and Izzy help the participants build strong muscles. Wyjuana Montgomery/Storm Photos.

A participant gets her Be Smart-Be Fit-Be Yourself T-shirt autographed. Wyjuana Montgomery/Storm Photos.