Mystics Hold Health and Fitness Day
Johnson and the Mystics tip-off the regular season this Saturday in Charlotte.
Rafael Suanes/NBAE/Getty Images |
�We have to continue to teach our kids the importance of fitness and nutrition in their lives,� said Mystics rookie Temeka Johnson. �I didn�t have this sort of thing when I was growing up, but nowadays obesity is a problem among children, so it�s great to have role models come out and teach kids how to keep in shape.�
Mystics players, including Johnson, Alana Beard, Kaayla Chones, Keisha Brown, Tamicha Jackson, and Mystics Strength & Conditioning Coach Jonathan Jones were in attendance to help the children at Samuel Ogle understand the importance of being fit at a young age and the value of a nutritious diet.
�With all the technology, television, and video games, children don�t get out as much and they�re not as active,� said Jones. �It�s very important for them to get out, get active, maybe participate in a sport, or go for a walk or a run. The important thing is to develop those habits that will help you to lead a long healthy life.�
Thursday marked the league-wide launch of the Be Smart-Be Fit-Be Yourself initiative with community events throughout the country in celebration of the start of the WNBA�s ninth season and in recognition of the league�s strong and ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of its fans and their communities.
�As the world�s leading women�s sports league, we believe it is our responsibility to do all that we can to emphasize the importance of health and fitness for women and young people,� said WNBA President Donna Orender. �In this effort, we recognize that our players are the ideal individuals to carry this message and encourage fans to make physical fitness a regular part of their lives. And, the benefits go far beyond physical health to include self-esteem and an overall positive self image.�