Harlem Wizards Put Healthy Spin On Fun
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Students on the Upper West Side recently got a healthy boost of motivation from a group of ball players who know a thing or two about staying fit. NY1's Kafi Drexel filed the following report.With fancy moves and their show-stopping antics, a few members of the Harlem Wizards took their brand of basketball to MS 256 on the Upper West Side.
The memorable substitute teachers worked with Beth Israel Medical Center to help motivate kids to lead healthier lifestyles. And with a chance to participate in all the action, most of the students couldn't wait to jump in.
"They're professional. It's fun, they're professional and they're coming here to play with us," said MS 256 eighth grader Batouly Camara.
While the students picked up a trick or two -- sometimes even outsmarting the players -- its lessons about eating right and exercise are the main focus of the drill.
"It's serious because at the end of the day, the kids have fun and they love to see us interact and do our thing. But it is good because we give them a message and it's something that they received well because it is coming from us and it is is important to do that," said Harlem Wizard Eric "Broadway" Jones.
"Especially at this age group we often see students coming in eating chips and cookies and drinking soda for breakfast. And unfortunately with budget cuts we don't give them as much physical activity in the gym or in the yard as we'd like," said MS 256 Principal Jeffrey Perl. "So we really need to teach them how important it is to lead a healthier lifestyle and be active and to make better choices in regards to nutrition."
Since gym classes don't feature daily appearances by the Harlem Wizards, educators are hoping that the lessons learned will definitely stick.
"Kids are like sponges. They hear things and adults never think they'll understand or pay attention. They hear. And through our track record of working with youngsters they know that we can something once or twice and they recall that. They go home. They talk to mom and dad and to their brother and say 'Hey I saw a Wizard player today and I saw a doctor today talking about some diet with good fruit and vegetables.' They'll remember what they hear," said Dr. Robert Gotlin of Beth Israel Medical Center.
"You don't just want to stay down and stuff. You want to be active. You want to play," said MS 256 eighth grader Dariana Reyes.