Dolphins Host Event Encouraging Kids To Be Active And Kind
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins are back in the community this week, hosting a Hometown Huddle event for young children.
Dolphins players, alumni and cheerleaders were at Bob Graham Education Center on Tuesday, hosting students in a Gatorade Junior Training Camp.
The kids participated in several fitness orientated stations while learning the benefits of hydration and staying physically active.
"We're getting outside, emphasizing to place to have movement, get things outside, get healthy, and emphasize the major points that we believe in and that's the education, physical fitness and positive choices," said Dolphins alum Lousaka Polite.
Six exercise and drill stations were set up on the field, with each one focusing on a different skill or exercise to improve fitness.
"I like the part when we had to jump on the pad and catch the football at the same time," said Alejandro Fernandez, a participant from Miami Lakes.
For many of the kids, this was the most physical activity they've had in days.
"Kids don't get enough exercise as we think they do," said Polite. "This is another way to make sure that they do. A lot of kids play sports, but for the kids that don't and aren't active, this is a great tool to get them outside and playing."
It also gave some children a chance to learn a sport they otherwise wouldn't have been able to.
"I would never play football, so this thing taught me how to play football," said participant Kevin Londono.
There was also a UNITY station where students made a pledge against bullying and made artwork using positive words. It was part of a Unity Day celebration.
A big part of the event's goal was to spread awareness of bullying prevention, which is a very important issue that kids face today.
"I learned not to disrespect other people because they're different," said participant Adriana Alvarez.
The Dolphins have actively been working to stop bullying while advocating kindness, acceptance and inclusion, working closely with PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center.
"Kids can basically just to promise to be nice, be kind, be inclusive and to report bullying," said PACER representative Isabel C. Garcia. "We're asking them to take a pledge."
Players and volunteers associated with the Hometown Huddle said that it's important to be there because they want to teach kids how important it is to take care of themselves and make smart choices.
The event was held in coordination with a Fins Frenzy, which was hosted by Dolphins alum Twan Russell and team mascot T.D.
