United teamed up with the American Diabetes Association to kick off their 2017 Get FIT with #DCU program, a youth health and fitness program designed to encourage elementary school students to lead a more healthy and active lifestyle by reinforcing the importance of exercise and making healthy eating choices.
Under the Get FIT with #DCU program, United work with participating elementary schools in the metropolitan region to find creative ways to make exercise and proper nutrition fun. During visits to participating schools, students are led through activities that focus on physical activity and nutrition, and also hear directly from Black-and-Red players about how they follow the same principles on and off the field.
This year’s program kicked off on Wednesday, April 5, at Bancroft Elementary School in Washington, D.C. Midfielders Marcelo Sarvas and Julian Büscher hosted a panel discussion about healthy eating and then led students in a physical activity session on the school’s all-purpose outdoor field. Students rotated through four physical activity stations to get the full experience of the program.
The American Diabetes Association, National Capital Area Chapter, was on hand to provide youth with additional information on how to fight diabetes by eating healthy and incorporating exercise into their daily routine. The American Diabetes Association will serve as a program partner during the 2017 season.
"We are so pleased to partner with D.C. United and local schools to encourage regular physical activity and healthy eating habits among children," Suku Powers, director of Community Health Strategies for the American Diabetes Association, National Capital Area, said. "More kids now than ever have Type 2 diabetes. We welcome collaborative opportunities like this to offer lessons and resources that drive home the importance of prevention and wellness for children and families.”
To learn more about the Get FIT with DCU program, please visit: dcunited.com/community/getfit.
