Falcons Fitness Zones Changing the Lives of Atlanta Children

Childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate in the United States. Nearly one in three children in Georgia is obese or overweight, according to the Georgia Department of Human Resources and the American Heart Association. Too often, we cite the negative aspects of this epidemic, but there are organizations out there making a difference and changing the lives of our children. The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation is one of those organizations. Every month we will highlight some of the organizations and individuals making strides in the fight against childhood obesity.

Falcons Fitness Zones was created by the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation to help combat the serious obesity problems afflicting Atlanta’s children. The Metro Atlanta YMCA is one of three nonprofit partners selected by the Foundation to participate in a grant aimed at launching or expanding youth fitness activities in underserved areas.

More than 2,700 young people receive fitness and nutritional education to help reduce health risks related to lack of physical activity and poor diet.  At elementary schools, organized fitness programs will be delivered during the school day and in after-school programs. Sports activities will include t-ball, baseball, flag football, cheerleading, dance and rock climbing.

This month’s spotlight is on nine-year-old Raven V. Love of Charles L. Gideon Elementary School in Atlanta. Raven participates in the Falcons Fitness Zone program at the Centennial Place YMCA.

“I have really enjoyed working with the YMCA Falcons Fitness Zone,” Raven said. “It has made a difference in my life because the YMCA is teaching me that I am Somebody, Iam the future and the present and there’s no one else like me.”

Raven also says that she enjoys the exercise and that her favorite activity is cheerleading.

We all know that the problem does not end with helping the children; the parents have to be educated as well. Often, this education comes from their kids. “I have noticed the change in Raven since she started at the YMCA,” said Bernita, Raven’s mother. “She feels good about herself and is more confident. She is even pointing out healthier options when we go out and is mindful of what she eats and drinks.”

The YMCA trains their staff to deal specifically with the issues facing children. During the course of each school year, trained staff implement the Metro Atlanta YMCA’s Youth Fit For Life physical activity program, which consists of age-appropriate cardiovascular and strength activities.

“The changes that have been noticed in Raven Love [are] that she is taking control of her weight [and] attitude and she is more eager to lend a helping hand to others,” said Jennifer Downs, Educator/Wellness Coordinator at the Centennial Place YMCA. “I am very excited that she and her mother have taken steps to live a healthy life by joining a class on eating healthy.”

The fight begins with one child and ends with them all being healthy emotionally, physically, and mentally.

“It’s wonderful to know that someone else has your child’s best interests at heart,” Bernita adds. “This program has not only changed my daughter’s life; it has changed my life.”