Dozens of young people and their families attended the event which spotlighted youth health and wellness through interactive activities, including hands-only CPR training, nutrition education and whole-person health care.
Retired NFL cornerback Ronnie Lippett (purple shirt) and retired MLB pitcher Tom Gordon (white shirt) spoke to attendees about how their faith and healthier habits shaped their lives as well as the importance of hard work and education.
AdventHealth teamed up with two retired professional sports stars to help dozens of young people and their families work on their health and wellness at the first ever "Fueled for the Future" rally at the AdventHealth Wellness Center in Wauchula.
The event, held at the center on 610 West Orange Street on Saturday, July 19, spotlighted youth health and wellness through interactive activities, including hands-only CPR training, nutrition education and learning about whole-person health care that quenches the needs of the body, mind, and spirit.
“This was a fantastic experience that we were honored to provide to young people and their families in our community,” said Becky McIntyre, Director of Ancillary Services at AdventHealth Wauchula. “We hope the valuable insight and information they gained helps empower them and their families to seek out healthier options and live healthier lives.”
Attendees also got the chance to hear from two retired professional athletes, who are both from the area. Three-time Major League Baseball All-Star Thomas “Flash” Gordon, an Avon Park native, and former New England Patriots and Miami Hurricanes standout cornerback Ronnie Lippett, a Sebring native, spoke about how their faith and healthier habits shaped their lives and careers as well as the importance of hard work and education.
“We were fortunate enough, blessed enough, to stay healthy and we got opportunities in professional sports,” Gordon said. “We grew up knowing that our faith was the most important thing we had. We had to continually believe in that. We know God is the source and the reason for every single thing that we’re doing.”
“Growing up, I had to pick oranges and grapefruits and all these different things. You got to do what you got to do to help your family out, whatever that may be, but the first thing you got to have in your mind, education is the way to go,” Lippett said.
During the event, families explored what the AdventHealth Wellness Center in Wauchula has to offer in support of their personal health and wellness goals. The facility provides 24/7 access to members, features state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, personal trainers, nearly 20 group exercise classes weekly, and more. You can find out more by going to AdventHealth Wellness Center Wauchula.