SAN JOSE, Calif. - Earthquakes midfielder Brad Ring visited Campbell Middle School in on Wednesday in the sixth Amway Kicks for Kids event of 2011. In its third year of existence, Amway Kicks for Kids teaches local youth about the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
The day began when a Campbell team leader, Tim Tararus, gave a brief introduction and presented Ring to an enthusiastic ovation. The group of 125 middle schoolers welcomed the central midfielder with chants and cheers. Ring was joined at the event by Shakers squad members Silvana, Angenee, Jessica and Mia.
PHOTO GALLERY: Ring visits Campbell Middle School
WATCH: Highlights from Ring's visit
The Illinois native stressed the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle had during his childhood. He detailed his journey from playing for the Rockford United and Chicago Magic club teams to moving to heading to Indiana University and then making the jump to MLS. At all of these stops, he stressed the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
Ring chatted with the Campbell students and held an extended question-and-answer session with them. After this, he then invited kids from the group to join him for a juggling contest and a header-catch contest. He made sure to outline the importance of outdoor-activities-over-video-games and related by using examples from his childhood.
To conclude the afternoon, Ring signed autographs and Earthquakes staff handed out 125 replica jersey t-shirts and 250 tickets, courtesy of Amway, to the students for San Jose’s sixth home game of the season on Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium against the New England Revolution.
The Earthquakes and Amway teamed up to create Amway Kicks for Kids in 2009. The program is in 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.
