Attending a Local Summit

Recently, my fellow Ambassadors and I attended a local Fuel Up to Play 60 summit at MetLife stadium. Being a State Ambassador, I was asked to help work the arena as well as participate in the various activities. My fellow Ambassadors and I were all feeling a bit adventurous when we got there so we helped ourselves to a tour of the amazing stadium! We went backstage and stood on a deck which gave us a full view of the field! Then we were asked to lead warm-ups for the students that were arriving. We graciously introduced ourselves to all the smiling faces in Fuel Up to Play 60 shirts and got right down to business. We loosened up by doing forty jumping jacks, ten pushups, and thirty second planks. Then, we all headed to the main deck where we were exposed to many different breakfast choices. As I stood in line waiting to get my healthy breakfast, kids were eating theirs and raving about how delicious they were. I grabbed a yogurt parfait and as I ate it I understood what they were talking about! After the feast everyone found a seat by the stage and listened to a very enthusiastic welcome from Coach Champ.

Afterwards, a panel of numerous food and dairy association representatives explained their jobs and the importance of having breakfast. Also on the panel was my inspiration: my Program Advisor Mr. Overton! He perfectly explained everything our school does, as well as the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. Everyone got split up into different groups and we continuously rotated stations, learning a new fact each time! All of us got to throw footballs, bowl, complete an obstacle course, and much more! After exercising, all jaws dropped to the ground when different lunch options such as veggie wraps, sandwiches, and salads were on display for us to devour! After lunch the program was coming to an end. Some of the final activities included brainstorming plays that could be completed for the upcoming school year in a luxury suite and a speech from Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich. The program sadly ended after so we gave all our goodbye hugs and left the massive stadium.

Walking to the car I thought about this day and what I took from it. In the morning I was exposed to two hundred kids who took a very low interest in being healthy, and by the end of the program I saw the same kids with different minds. They were all so interested in the program and ready to start tracking their eating habits every day. I was extremely happy when children from different schools came up to me asking me amazing health questions as well as thanking me for all my support. Experiencing this firsthand melted my heart because I was lucky enough to help people who are my age become healthier. This summit was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had and it provided me with lots of leadership skills that will come in handy while promoting Fuel Up to Play 60. Knowing I get to help kids become healthier and stronger people is the reason I love being an Ambassador.

Nadya
New Jersey State Ambassador
7th Grade