Courtesy of USA Track & Field
Earlier this morning at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) national convention in St. Louis, USA Track & Field and The Hershey Company announced the launch of a new national youth-activity initiative, Run Jump Throw. The program will introduce kids ages 7 through 12 the track and field basics of running, jumping and throwing in fun, hands-on learning events across the country. East St. Louis native and track and field legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee, along with Carl Lewis, helped introduce the program earlier today. We had the opportunity to speak with her on the importance of youth fitness, her advice to young athletes, and more.
You’ve always been a very active philanthropist with your foundation and other health and fitness initiatives. What drew you to Run Jump Throw?
I’m on the board of U.S.A. Track & Field, and I have partnered with Hershey in the past. We’re collaborating to encourage young people to be active. We know that the basic fundamentals of track and field are running, jumping, and throwing, and those basics are important for any sport.
How would you describe the current state of youth fitness in America?
What Michelle Obama has been able to do is to help bring to the forefront why it's important for us to encourage our young people to get up and move and be active. I agree that if we do not get ahold of our young people and encourage them to be more active, we’ll continue to see an increase in things like diabetes and high blood pressure. I believe in balance and moderation. Yes, kids might want to play video games, but there’s a balance. You have to figure out a way to go out there and have fun and enjoy being active.
What advice would you give to families who aren’t used to having active lifestyles?
The great thing about the Run Jump Throw program is that families can get involved. You can walk out in the park and do things together. The basics can start in school with physical education, and from there kids can go home and encourage mom and dad to go out in the park and try activities and have fun. If they want to pursue an athletic career, then they can pursue that, but the passion must be there first. The motivation and encouragement has to come from a family unit.
What makes track and field a good sport for kids?
I think that track and field teaches you a lot about setting goals, character development, and discipline. It’s important for kids to get started, but not to take on too much too soon.
What did you do as a young child to stay active?
I was a very active child. I was a cheerleader, I tried it all. In trying it all, I wasn’t good at everything, but it kept me active and it helped me to focus. I had certain things that I had to do at home first before I could go outside and play. I made sure that I did the things that my mom and dad requested of me so that it was easier for me to go outside and do the things I loved.
How are you going to be involved in the program moving forward?
I'll be invovled in the program's clinics and working with young people in different organizations, even just serving as a role model and a motivator—whatever it takes. I believe in inspiring and encouraging our young people to be the best that they can be.
With all your success, what advice would you give young people going into sports?
I don’t think that sports should be the main goal. I really believe in well-roundedness. I do feel that if young people want to participate in sports, they should enjoy it and work hard on what they’re trying to accomplish, but they need to have a balance with academics. We’re using Run Jump Throw as an educational program so kids can learn by doing, and that also includes learning to listen and respect someone trying to teach you, which is a very important skill for an athlete.
For more information on Run Jump Throw, visit usatf.org.
