SAN JOSE, Calif. - Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch visited the Boys & Girls Club in East Palo Alto on Wednesday in the eighth 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 Will Brown, athletic director at the East Palo Alto Boys & Girls Club, gave a brief introduction and presented Busch to an enthusiastic ovation. The group of 150 children of the after school program welcomed him with chants and cheers.
WATCH: Highlights from Wednesday's Amway Kicks for Kids event
PHOTO GALLERY: Images from Jon Busch's visit to East Palo Alto
The veteran goalkeeper stressed the importance of conquering adversity in life as well as the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle have on the road to becoming a professional athlete. He told the kids stories from his past, emphasizing that in order to be successful, you need to work hard and press on despite hardships.
During the question-and-answer session, Busch chatted with the children and then invited several of them to join him in a game of header-catch and for a soccer-ball juggling display.
To conclude the afternoon, Busch signed player cards and Earthquakes staff handed out 150 replica jersey t-shirts and tickets, courtesy of Amway, to the students for San Jose’s ninth home game of the season on Saturday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. PT at Stanford Stadium against the New York Red Bulls.
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.
