SAN JOSE, Calif. - Earthquakes All-Star defender Bobby Convey visited the Boys and Girls Club of San Jose on Monday in the 10th 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.
WATCH: Highlights from Convey's visit
PHOTO GALLERY: Images from the San Jose Boys & Girls Club
The day began when Shelby, the club athletic director, introduced Convey to a gym full of enthusiastic children. The group of 150 kids from the summer program welcomed him with chants and cheers.
The All-Star spoke to the children about his journey to becoming a professional athlete. He told them how he began playing soccer at the age of five and how sports were his safe outlet in a dangerous neighborhood. At the age of 14, he signed with Nike and turned professional two years later. Throughout the story, he stressed how important it is to never give up on your dreams and that with hard work, dedication, and a healthy lifestyle, the kids could achieve their goals.
During the question-and-answer session, Convey chatted with the kids about fruits and vegetables and told them that it is necessary to eat healthy and exercise in order to grow big and strong.
To conclude the afternoon, Convey 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 11th home game of the season on Wednesday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
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.
