San Jose Earthquakes defender Chris Leitch visited Terrell Elementary School in San Jose on Thursday as part of the Amway Kicks for Kids Program. The program, in its second year, helps teach local youth about the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
The event was attended by children who had displayed excellent attendance during the annual STAR Testing. Principal Lynn Hyssop introduced Leitch to the students who cheered loudly for the Quakes defender.
Leitch, who has been a key player in the Quakes defense this season, spoke about the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle has had on his life. He told the children that he could not be where he was today if it weren’t for his healthy choices with his diet and exercise growing up. He also stressed that a healthy lifestyle is not only important for aspiring athletes, but for everyone.
After he finished speaking, Leitch opened the floor to any questions the students might have, giving each student a thorough and animated response. He then invited some students to play a game of “Head, Catch” with him. In “Head, Catch” the students were supposed to catch the ball when thrown to them, and when he yelled catch, they were supposed to head the ball.
As the afternoon drew to an end, the defender signed autographs, posed for photos and the Earthquakes staff gave each student two tickets, donated by Amway, to see the Earthquakes take on the Columbus Crew on Wednesday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at Buck Shaw Stadium.
The Earthquakes and Amway teamed up to create the Amway Kicks for Kids program in 2009. The program returns for its second season in 2010. Through the program, Earthquakes players will visit 15 schools or community centers in the Bay Area to discuss the importance of being active and living a healthy lifestyle.
