SAN JOSE, Calif. - Earthquakes midfielder Bobby Convey visited Edenvale Elementary in San Jose on Wednesday in the 14th 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 Edenvale Elementary Principal Alma Maldonado-Castro introduced Convey to a group of 150 excited kids. The crowd welcomed Convey with loud applause and cheers before the Philadelphia native began his speech.
WATCH: Convey visits Edenvale Elementary
PHOTOS: Bobbys's school appearance
Convey spoke to the children about his life as a professional athlete and the hard work it took to achieve his goals. The World Cup veteran stressed the importance of staying active and avoiding spending too much time sitting in front of the television and playing video games. He encouraged the kids to participate in sports, offering his own experiences in Major League Soccer and as a player in England as motivation.
During the question-and-answer session, Convey talked about his time on the US National Team and playing against the top teams in the world, including Mexico and Italy.
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 14th home game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium against the Chicago Fire.
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.
