ROSEBORO — Third-grader Jamel Thompson was excited to hit a tackling dummy as his classmates cheered him on. At the same time, he learned about the importance of being active.
“It can make you strong for a long time,” Jamel said.
The Carolina Panthers’ Play 60 Camp came to Roseboro Elementary School (RES) Thursday. Drill stations were set up to give children an NFL training experience. Its main goal is to encourage students to stay active for about one hour a day after school and during spring and summer breaks. The program is presented by Under Armour, Academy Sports+Outdoors and Gatorade.
During the drills, third-grader Fancy Bullard enjoyed carrying and throwing the pigskin too.
“I’m excited and happy and I’m glad that I’m getting exercise,” Bullard said.
In addition to fitness, Bullard expressed how it is important to drink water and eat fruits and vegetables.
“You can live a long time,” Fancy said.
Trip Foreman, a community relations intern, led the camp with the assistance of football players from Lakewood High School (LHS) and RES staff members.
“We’re just trying to push an active lifestyle,” he said. “Getting them out here and doing football-type drills is a great way to show them how much fun they can have away from video games when they’re outside running around and having a good time.”
The camp, which takes place from April through July, reaches about 4,000 children in North Carolina and South Carolina.
“Not everyone out here can come to Charlotte or come to the Panthers, so we make an effort to bring the Panthers experience to them,” Foreman said.
LHS quarterback Zach Tanner was one of several who encouraged students as they tried to make a great pass like himself or the Panthers’ Cam Newton.
“It’s a great experience for kids,” he said. “They can come out here, run around and experience a sport they may want to play.”
United Way of Sampson County was instrumental with helping to bring the camp to Roseboro Elementary. Nancy Carr, executive director, said United Way was happy to have Play 60 in the area for the first time.
“We’re thrilled that we have such a beautiful day and the children seem enthusiastic,” Carr said. “We’re looking forward to see how it unfolds.”
Catherine Ezzell, United Way board member, shared the same feelings.
“I think it’s absolutely an amazing opportunity for Sampson County,” Ezzell said. “It gives these kids a chance to show off their football skills. It’s a wonderful opportunity for these kids to come out here and learn how important 60 minutes of play is every single day.”
That’s the reason Foreman and other Play 60 supporters look forward to visiting schools in the upcoming months.
“There’s so many distractions nowadays,” Foreman said. “Every kid has a tablet, cell phone, TV, video games … if we can start them young, running around and living that healthy lifestyle — drinking water while they play — it gives them a better chance to grew up into that healthy lifestyle and maintain those habits and really grow from there.”
RES Principal Tonya Colwell said Play 60 allows the students to experience firsthand what a professional football player goes through. She also enjoyed the emphasis on health.
“We need to be more of a healthy nation,” Colwell said. “So the message of exercising at least one hour a day is great. We don’t need to just play football on PlayStation, we need to actually get out and be physical. I’m thankful that they’re coming to share their message with us.”
