FORT BENNING, Ga., (April 16, 2014) -- Loyd Elementary School welcomed Miami Dolphin's football player Philip Wheeler Friday for a discussion on health and nutrition.
He and Coach Charles Flowers, coach for the Smith Station Freshman Center's football team and three ninth-grade football players also explained the fundamentals of football.
Wheeler, who played football at Shaw High School in Columbus, said it meant a lot for him to come back and talk to students.
"I don't get to come here much and this is where I'm from and where my family is and whenever I get a chance, I try to take that opportunity ... it's very important," he said.
He and Flowers spoke to the students about the importance of eating right, but also why good grades are essential to becoming successful, especially if you want to get into college.
Although he knows he is successful, Wheeler said he wants others to know he is similar to them.
"I've been told I'm a role model and that they look up to me ... (but) you can be where I'm at one day and accomplish the things that you want to accomplish."
Wheeler's visit was part of Loyd's initiative to encourage their students and Families to be active.
The school held three Saturday activities and also does fitness activities at the school.
As part of the project, students wrote letters to well-known adults about their experiences with "Loyd, Let's Move."
Fifth-grader Nicolas Acevedo, who attended the presentation, said he was encouraged to be fit and active, especially since he liked to play sports.
"It's takes a lot of practice to master (football) and you need to know your positions and what you need to do well," he said.
He wrote a letter to First Lady Michelle Obama about his experiences with becoming fit.
"It's important to be fit and healthy - eat good food and not just junk food," he said.
"I like all kinds of sports, so I will be going outside, running laps and playing sports. And (I will eat) good, nutritious food and not eat that much junk food."
Social Sharing