SAN JOSE, Calif. - Earthquakes defender Jason Hernandez visited Lowell Elementary in San Jose Wednesday, kicking off the 2011 Amway Kicks for Kids program. In its third year of existence, Amway Kicks for Kids teaches local youth about the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
Assistant principal Emalie McGinnis introduced Hernandez to loud applause to start the day’s activities. The group of 150 children welcomed Hernandez with a series of organized cheers.
The New York native stressed the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle had on his life growing up playing multiple sports. Hernandez explained to the children how the choices he made as a child to eat healthy foods helped him achieve his goal of becoming a professional soccer player. He also encouraged the children to take advantage of the great California weather by getting outside and enjoying a physical activity.
After Hernandez finished speaking, Lowell Elementary kids peppered the defender with questions about hobbies outside of soccer, favorite fruits and vegetables and how to remain active during the rainy season. He then invited several from the group to join him for a juggling contest.
To conclude the afternoon, Hernandez signed player cards and Earthquakes staff handed out 150 replica jersey t-shirts and 150 tickets, courtesy of Amway, to the students for San Jose’s home opener on Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium against Real Salt Lake.
The Earthquakes and Amway teamed up to create Amway Kicks for Kids in 2009. The program returns for its third season in 2011. Through Amway Kicks for Kids, Earthquakes players will visit 17 schools or community centers in the Bay Area to discuss the importance of being active and living a healthy lifestyle.
