For the past seven years, I have been coordinating a sports fitness program for children known as Way to Win for Life (better known by the kids as W2W). While the program exists to help increase physical activity among children, this year has seen an unanticipated result among the instructors.
Over the past school year, 11 different sports were introduced to more than 400 children in Crawford County. Most of those sports were taught by members of Allegheny College’s sports teams and clubs while other instructors came from programs at the Meadville Family YMCA. Although the W2W program’s intent was to give the children a unique experience with a new sport, this year’s program presented a special reward to every instructor, all of whom couldn’t place a price on it.
“This time of year is really stressful with finals coming up,” commented one of the members from the Allegheny College Track and Field team. “But, coming to teach the kids this week about track and field has become my stress relief. They are so fun and really have a good time with the sport. It is definitely the highlight of my week.”
Five members of the track team recently taught 200 children from the YMCA’s after-school program the long jump, high jump, javelin throw, relay racing, and many other aspects of the sport. Although the children had just met the college student teachers, many of them handed out hugs at the end of the hour-long session. “It is so rewarding and I felt so good about it,” remarked another student.
Also last month, the Meadville YMCA’s swim instructors led by Aquatics Director Laura Singo gave two groups of 7th graders, one from Maplewood and the other from Cambridge Springs, lessons at Allegheny College’s pool. Several instructors provided guidance on swim techniques, but the most rewarding was watching students actually learn how to swim for the first time. “It was so enjoyable knowing you were offering these kids a new and important skill,” commented one of the instructors who taught both sessions. “I had to come back for the second group since I had so much fun with the first group!”
Giving of oneself has often been touted as one of the most beneficial aspects of life. Because of the “feel good” sense that comes with giving, the body reacts in such a positive way that it improves overall well-being. Happiness studies have shown that the general giving of the self is a reward in itself; however, when you are teaching others a skill for which you have exceptional passion, the positive reward multiplies exponentially.
That is exactly what had transpired through the 2011-2012 W2W program. Those who taught various sports will reap the positive healthy benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved self-esteem, and increased mental health. So, I would like to recognize those who have not only graciously introduced their sport to the children of Crawford County but they have also gained significant health benefits: Allegheny College’s Kendo Club, Track and Field team, Fencing Club, and Women’s Basketball team; the Meadville Family YMCA’s Modern and Classical Dance Instructor Jacki Moyers, and the YMCA’s Swim Team and Learn to Swim Instructors; and the Saegertown High School Key Club (who taught ultimate Frisbee).
Kudos for being part of a child’s life, and congratulations for improving your own health in the process! Keep on teaching others – it will help you more than it will help your students.
W2W4Life is a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield-funded program offered under the auspices of the Meadville Family YMCA. Any group or school can request the W2W program for their students by contacting me at nina@w2w4life.com. Furthermore, if you have a sports team and would like to reap the benefits of teaching others, contact me at the same email address.
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