One of the things that is usually overlooked in sports is the wellness of the athlete from all points of view. Knowing this, three seniors involved in Henry Ford II High School DECA chapter set out to host Utica Community Schools first of its kind Student Athlete Wellness Mini Fair.
At this event seniors Anthony Lanni, Collin Carandang, and Keegan Smith wanted to focus on the three pillars that they believe make up an athlete, which include mental, physical, and nutritional health. With these pillars at the front of their project they hope that families will learn the impact that all these things influence an athlete’s wellbeing.
“We are excited to see the effect our event has on the community. By playing sports growing up we knew that wellness isn't talked about enough within sports and many people just see us as an athlete, but many people don't realize that they go home and have to do homework, go to work, and deal with things going on in their lives as well,” senior Lanni said.
To help portray their message to their community they invited 2008 graduate Chris McDonald, a former MSU alumni and NFL player to share about his journey not only through sports as an athlete but also the challenge he encountered along the way.
“I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to share my story to everyone and showcase how the overall health of a student athlete is crucial for their wellbeing,” said McDonald. “One of the most important things that I hope that students and families walk away with today is that you have people there for you that are cheering you on, especially teachers, counselors, and school administration. Without these resources and the building blocks that I was taught as a student athlete, I don't know where I would be today.”
After McDonald shared his story, students and their families were able to visit multiple tables where they could learn different ways that they could help their students improve their mental, physical and nutritional health.
As the event came to a close, Carandang, Lanni, and Smith hope that families and student athletes walk away with the resources that they can use in their daily lives.
By Natalie Rubel
