On August 8th, I was given the opportunity to go to the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp with my local dairy council, 4 other students, and 2 Program Advisors. There, we met with US Secretary of Agriculture, Sony Perdue, Former Colts player, Marshall Faulk, and President of the National Dairy Council, Jean Ragalie-Carr.
We started the morning with chatting about how we participate in Fuel Up to Play 60, how long we have been involved, and general information about the program. We then watched the Colts practice for a while. It was exciting to watch my favorite team’s practice with two past players: Secretary Perdue being a quarterback in high school, and Marshall Faulk being a Hall of Fame Running Back.
When we concluded watching the Colts practice, we had a round table discussion facilitated by Jean Ragalie-Carr where we were all able to discuss the importance of what we do with Fuel Up to Play 60 and various steps each of us have taken to make a huge impact on our school. It was inspiring to hear how much Marshall Faulk and Secretary Perdue supported our efforts and to hear what they had done to promote health and wellness.
After a thought provoking discussion, we moved into the Colts Complex’s Conference Area where we participated in a press conference in one of the rooms where the Colts staff also gives press conferences, which was really cool! The various local media reporters asked Secretary Perdue and Marshall Faulk a series of questions about what we talked about today and their efforts to improve health and wellness. I was even asked a few questions during the press conference about how I felt to be interacting with Marshall Faulk and Secretary Perdue, and how Fuel Up to Play 60 had impacted my leadership. I felt honored to be included in the press conference and to be able to share my successes and love with the program.
As the morning of fun came to an end, I was stopped by a few reporters to give interviews about Fuel Up to Play 60, the events that morning, and agriculture. Overall, it was a great experience to be able to meet Marshall Faulk and Secretary Perdue and to represent the program to so many people.
Abby
Indiana
Youth Council Leader
12th Grade
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