Washington Programs
The Bellevue Boys & Girls Club receive a donation for new sports equipment from the Jim Mora Count on Me Family Foundation on April 6, 2009.
Count On Me Partnership with the Young Athletes Program
Special Olympics Washington
The Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation is partnering with Special Olympics Washington to expand the Young Athletes program—a program designed to inspire and motivate the youngest athletes (2-7) with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports. The Young Athletes program teaches basic sports skills through assembly programs for these young athletes and leaving behind a “sports bag” of items to continue building upon the skills the athletes learn at the assembly that day. The program continues throughout the school year, helping children develop skills of throwing, kicking and striking, as well as other skills--- all needed to participate in sports at any level and compete in Special Olympics one day. The Foundation is working with Special Olympics Washington to add a new component to the mix – the football toss—and will provide footballs for the bags, and leaving behind incentives to help motivate the children. Special Olympics Washington is planning to hold (24) exhibitions statewide this school year. Each school that participates in the Young Athletes program each year will be entered into a drawing to be invited to the Young Athletes’ Count On Me Jamboree (special clinic- Spring 2010) at the Seattle Seahawks practice facility to showcase their new skills, play games, have a nutritious lunch, and enjoy a meet and greet with Coach Mora and friends. For more information on the program, please contact Steve Wright, Vice President of Development, Special Olympics Washington, at 206-829-7076.
Count On Me Triple Play Component
Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue
The Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation is proud to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue through their Triple Play Program. The Foundation is working with the Boys & Girls Club to provide sports equipment and support to help keep children motivated to participate in the following ways:
- The new Jim Mora Flag Football League – The Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue has partnered together to run a co-ed flag football league on Wednesdays in the system. The Foundation provides footballs for the teams to play and will provide support for a year-end tournament.
- Count On Me Triple Play Fitness Challenge -- Children sign on to participate in the Triple Play program in the Fall. Students that stay with the program (Sept. – April), will participate in a year-end celebration supported by the Foundaton at the Seahawks practice facility with Coach Mora in the Spring.
- Count On Me Equipment Donation – a donation of equipment to play is made each year for more children to get involved.
- Count On Me Fitness Partnership – Work with the Seahawks and the Nutrition and Fitness for Life program at Virginia Mason to “refer” children/families interested in participating in that program through the Foundation partnership
For more information on the program, please contact Maggi Flaherty at mflaherty@bgcbellevue.org.
Background:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue give young people a place to belong and a chance to learn and grow, but unhealthy lifestyles put them at risk for obesity and other health problems. Although many youth participate to some degree in sports and fitness activities, they are not always physically fit. They often lack the basic knowledge they need to make positive food choices.Triple Play demonstrates how eating right, keeping fit and forming positive relationships add up to a healthy lifestyle for Club members. Club professionals help boys and girls learn about good nutrition and how to make smart meal and snack choices. Members receive coaching in sports leagues and fun activities, developing their coordination and leadership skills. This interaction along with organized social recreation activities strengthen character, increase confidence and enhance the ability to relate well to others. Triple Play is a program designed to promote health and wellness for Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue members ages 6-18. It is a multi-faceted program designed to help young people to become healthy, active and learn new ways to handle stress, maintain a healthy body and form positive relationships. This comprehensive approach includes:
Mind - Healthy Habits provides a wide-ranging approach to addressing nutrition education and fitness. Body - Sports, fitness and recreation programs designed to get members up and active through daily challenges, games and tournaments to strengthen their body. Soul - Social recreation utilizes the games room to teach and reinforce social and ethical skills young people need to be successful. Triple Play is part of Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s Sports, Fitness and Recreation core program area, which consists of an array of effective programs for equipping Club members with crucial skills needed to become healthy, fit and successful adults. The program consciously incorporates elements of belonging, competence, usefulness and influence.
Count On Me Partnership with Virginia Mason’s Nutrition & Fitness for Life Program
The Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation is proud to partner with Virginia Mason’s Nutrition and Fitness for Life Program (N.F.L. Program) to help fight childhood obesity in Washington. The Nutrition and Fitness for Life program is free, six-week, comprehensive education and awareness program targeting children between seven and fifteen years of age. Teaming up with the Virginia Mason Medical Center Pediatrics department, the program provides kids the tools to enjoy a lifetime of good fitness and health. The Nutrition and Fitness for Life program begins with an initial assessment of the child, including blood pressure and body mass index. If the child is at risk for obesity or is simply interested in the program, she or he is given a fun "homework" assignment and colorful guide to help his or her pediatrician get a better sense of the child's current family lifestyle. The child then has many educational follow-up opportunities to help stay on track. Children and families participating in the program who “graduate” after six weeks are invited to bi-monthly reunions to keep on target with their goals and share successes with their peers, as well as with a Virginia Mason Health Educator. For more information on the program or to make an appointment with a Virginia Mason pediatrician, please call (206) 223-6188 or visit www.VirginiaMason.org.
The Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation Holiday Shop (click here for full details)
The Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma is home to many young children with serious illnesses. During the holiday season, the Jim Mora Count On Me Family Foundation seeks to keep the spirit alive by giving patients the opportunity to shop for gifts for their families, right there at the hospital.
At the Holiday Shop, each child will be able to select two items for their parents or guardians. The Seattle Seahawks Women’s Association, along with foundation and hospital volunteers will assist them in wrapping their gifts with festive paper, bows, gift tags and writing cards for the special people in their lives.
In addition to the shop, the Foundation donates items to the hospital for their playrooms.
Click here for a photo gallery of previous Holiday Shops.