Twins Take the Summit

In a few short weeks, the familiar sound of the school bell will become a part of our daily routine. This summer has been a whirlwind but packed with a lot of memorable opportunities. The absolute highlight of our summer was attending the Fuel Up to Play 60 Student Ambassador Summit in Chicago, Illinois.

The weeks and days leading up to the Summit were filled with excitement as we dialed into the phone conferences to learn more about our agenda. Finally, the morning of July 22, along with our Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Advisor (who just happens to be our Mom, Tracy), we boarded a plane in Boise, Idaho and headed to Chicago, Illinois.

Once we landed at the airport, we met other Student Ambassadors and Program Advisors from other states. It was fun to learn where everyone was from. Soon we were on the bus and headed to the Fuel Up to Play 60 Summit venue. Stepping off the bus and to the Red Carpet Registration, we were psyched!

Over the course of the next four days, our schedules were packed. With our team we created a nutritious breakfast item for a cook-off competition, developed a video that incorporated the idea of Fuel Greatness, mastered a dance for a dance-off, and competed in a flag football game at the Chicago Bears Payton Center with Bears players. Teamwork really came into play for our teams to be successful in all of these events. We also learned ways to enhance the Fuel Up to Play 60 program at our own schools. All of the guest speakers delivered messages that inspired us to want to take Fuel Up to Play 60 to the next level.

Okay, we must admit the most epic part of the summit was meeting the McCourty twins! We were asked if we would like to participate in a photo shoot with Jason and Devin McCourty, we could hardly contain ourselves. We went outside with four other Ambassadors and eagerly awaited for the McCourty twins and their mom to arrive.

After introductions, the photographer started taking pictures of all of the kids with the McCourty twins. After some great shots, we got to put on jerseys. Dylan was in a Tennessee Titans jersey and Blake was in the New England Patriots jersey. We did some really fun shots. Both Devin and Jason were a blast to work with. We were having so much fun that we were laughing while taking pictures. In between the shots, we had the opportunity to visit.

Our conversation with the McCourty twins was so easy. As much as we were asking them questions, they were asking us questions. We learned that Devin is “older” than Jason by 27 minutes. For us, Dylan is “older” than Blake by only one minute. We also learned that growing up, both boys played the same sports together and were on the same team even in college at Rutgers University. We have been able to be on the same teams and that would definitely be a dream to have that opportunity beyond high school. Now Devin and Jason play on their own professional football teams and do not live near each other. However, their “twin connection” still remain solid as they said they speak and see each other frequently.

We also had the pleasure of meeting their mom, Ms. Phyllis Harrell, more commonly known as Mama McCourty. She was a very proud mom, who raised some great boys. We asked her if she goes to her sons’ games. She told us, she only goes to the home games for the Titans or the Patriots. She mentioned that they will be playing each other in December. Naturally we asked, who do you cheer for? She said that she only cheers for the defense. That make sense since Devin and Jason’s positions are on the defensive side of the ball.

Once the photo session ended we walked back to the others, side by side with our new friends and their mom. Our conversation continued and we learned more about each other. Jason and Devin also played basketball when they were younger. Along with being twin brothers, they are the best of friends and always have each other’s back. We think that is the best part of having a twin brother.

The Fuel Up to Play 60 Summit has definitely been the best part of the Summer of 2015. Meeting the McCourty twins, participating in all of the cool activities and making new friends from across the nation, are all memories that will never be forgotten.

Last, but certainly not least, we would like to wish Devin and Jason McCourty a Happy Birthday. From one set of twins to another, it is always great to celebrate your special day with your bro. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MCCOURTY TWINS!!

Dylan and Blake
Idaho State Ambassadors
6th Grade