San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Brad Ring visited the Kidango – Arbuckle after school program on Tuesday afternoon in San Jose as a part of the Amway Kicks for Kids program. Kidango – Arbuckle is one of the many Kidango programs in the Bay Area that aims to provide quality care and education to low-income children. The Amway Kicks for Kids program, in its second year, helps teach local youth about the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
The eager students cheered as the midfielder took his place in front of the crowd of 150 children who attend the year-round program.
The Indiana University graduate stressed the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle had on his life. Ring told the children how a healthy diet helped him to have the energy to play soccer at a competitive level. He also explained the importance of being active and getting enough rest to perform at your best. Ring gave the children examples of nutritious foods and activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
After he finished speaking, Ring opened the floor to a question and answer session. He answered questions about his career and the path he took to play professional soccer. He then selected ten students to join him in a game of “Head Catch” where the students were supposed to catch the ball when thrown to them, and when he yelled catch, they were supposed to head the ball. Ring also selected three students to join him in a juggling contest.
To conclude the afternoon, Ring signed autographs and posed for photographs with the children. Earthquakes staff passed out t-shirts and two tickets to the Quakes match versus D.C. United on July 3 at Buck Shaw Stadium at 7 p.m. to all the children.
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.
