STONE HARBOR – Fitness should be fun for everyone. That was the motto of the First Annual Jaws Youth Fund Fitness Festival that took place June 28 here.
The event was designed to appeal to everyone from competitive athletes to families, and even the family dog.
The approach proved true with over 700 registered participants and festival attendance in the thousands.
“The Fitness Festival was a great event and huge success from both a fundraising and participation perspective. We are thrilled about the number of people who came out for a fun-filled day of fitness and look forward to the future of this event in Stone Harbor,” said Ron Jaworski, football analyst, former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and co-founder of the event.
The Fitness Festival kicked off with a 5K at 9 a.m. with more than a dozen local mascots holding an honorary ‘start’ by racing the first 50 meters and then cheering on the 5K participants, who were competitive runners, joggers, walkers, families, young children, strollers and even some four-legged friends.
Awards were given to the best-dressed team and largest team.
“Having grandfathers, serious runners, stroller moms, and even some pirates all out on the same course on the same day really provided a backdrop showcasing that physical activity is for everyone,” Jaworski said.
Also beginning the Festival featured fun for the whole family with children’s activities, on-site interactive exhibits and tons of free goodies. The main stage was rockin’ all morning, with Coastal Broadcasting blaring tunes, on-stage acts, mascot appearances and raffle item giveaways every 15 minutes.
Other festival excitement included:
• The first taste of Flyers Recharge chocolate milk from Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms
• A Football Clinic by Football University and other area players and coaches
• Golf swing analysis by the Dick Smith Golf Academy
• Skateboarding with professionals from the ONE Skateboard Co.
• A cheerleading clinic led by Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders
• US Navy fitness challenge
• Free medical screenings, including blood pressure and cholesterol testing
• Instruction on how to use the new Hollywood fad – the stand-up paddleboards
• Soccer skills workshop with the Soccer Shots gang
• Interactive exercise with Cross Fit workout
• Mini tennis clinic from the tennis pros at Riverwinds Tennis & Golf
• Wake-up Yoga, and the kid-friendly Kids Yoga
• Face painting and balloon art
Participants had the opportunity to get up close to sea life at the sea creature exhibit from the New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences.
Rucca’s Place and Anthropologie allowed festival participants to have a place for their dogs to run around, nibble on a treat or two and get fresh water throughout the event.
U Care Now, the charitable division of Magellan Hill Technologies, provided a way for two busloads of youth to come to Stone Harbor, participate in the 5K and enjoy the Fitness Festival. The youth hailed from three programs: Camden PAL track program, The Work Group and Steve’s Club.
Proceeds from the Fitness Festival benefited the Jaws Youth Fund and the programs it supports.
The Jaws Youth Fund is a partnership of the family of Ron Jaworski and the United Way of Camden County.
The initiative is designed to impact at-risk youth by supporting innovative programs.
Donations can be made directly to the Jaws Youth Fund by visiting them online at www.JawsYouthFund.org.
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