Anasia Hairston
Examiner.com
World Champion athlete Laila Ali joined the Live Like a Champion Tour at Kentwood Elementary to combat the growing epidemic of childhood obesity by teaching children the importance of eating healthy and staying active in a fun, interactive way. The award-winning initiative is a partnership between the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and Anthem Blue Cross. Now in its fourth year, the Live Like a Champion Tour features interactive games and challenging sports-themed activities that encourage children to bring out their "inner champion."
As the newest council member, Ali unveiled her very own "Champ Corner," a hands-on physical education piece where children learn about the importance of conditioning activities such as push-ups, sit-ups and jumping rope and how to use a speed bag. "It is an honor to take on this role with the Governor's Council and the Live Like a Champion Tour," said Ali. "I am committed to promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles and hope that children learn the importance of exercise and a balanced diet through the Champ Corner."
A select group of Governor's Council celebrity athletes lends its support to the Live Like a Champion Tour to help raise awareness and promote physical fitness for all Californians. These California icons serve as role models and share their favorite exercises, and their choice of healthy fruits and vegetables depicted on life-size posters throughout the event-site.
"The Live Like a Champion Tour is a great way for me and my fellow Council members to encourage kids to get moving and eat right," said Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. "Few kids will ever have the opportunity to become world champions like Laila Ali, Jerry Rice and Misty May-Treanor, but through our Live Like a Champion Tour, kids across the state experience how fun it is to get active. They also get to learn how important it is to never quit on themselves or their dreams. Don't Quit!"
The tour is traveling to schools, local community and special events, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs and other after-school program locations throughout the state of California. Special effort is focused on reaching out to the state's under served communities.
According to a recent report, nearly one in three children in California 10-17 years of age are either overweight or obese.
"As the state's largest health insurance provider, Anthem Blue Cross recognizes its responsibility to respond to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. We are committed to addressing the issue and empowering families and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles," said Leslie A. Margolin, President of Anthem Blue Cross.
Laila Ali is the youngest daughter of Veronica Porsche Anderson, and of the legendary Muhammad Ali. Ali is deeply committed to helping ensure the adults of tomorrow are getting a healthy start today.
