Youth Sports Experience
EDUCATE - EMPOWER - ELEVATE
HEALTH PROGRAM
LIFTOUR
LIFTHEALTH
OUR PROGRAM
The LIFT Health Youth Edification Program was created to work with grassroots organizations that service disadvantaged youth. Our program focuses on creating events and resources that will elevate youth life experiences through education and empowerment. We have partnered with leading organizations in the state of Florida to raise academic and athletic consciousness which will add to our youth's overall success.
LIFT Health Youth
SWAMP NIGHT at UF
Over 20 youth supported by the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association arrived at University of Florida (UF) campus for a day of fun and enrichment with the UF coaches, staff, players and fans.
After the lively Gator Walk Parade they were given a tour of the UF sports facilities by current UF students. From UF's new Gary Condron indoor practice field to the expansive weight room, our youth were given a bird's eye view of a day in the life of a student-athlete. Admissions advisors were on hand to provide students with information packets and details on NCAA requirements for academics.
While visiting the weight room, Mike Kent, Director of Strength & Conditioning took a few moments to have a candid conversation with our youth about the importance of gaining an education and building meaningful relationships along the way. Kent uplifted the students by saying,
"Never forget where you came from. No matter where you go, take your city with you. Keep your drive and be determined to succeed under all circumstances"
Students were then escorted to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the Gators Football Pregame. Head Coach Jim McElwain joined our students on the sideline for a few handshakes and photos. They also met Thaddeus Bullard, former UF Gator and professional wrestler along with a host of other UF coaches.
The ultimate experience ended with our youth being seated in stands for Orang vs Blue game kickoff. With dreams of becoming archeologists, sports managers and culinary experts, our youth were able to vision bigger dreams due to the generous support of the Florida Gators.
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PATRICK SNEED, Exective Director
Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association
"It was a blessing to be the first youth organization to take part in the LIFT Health Youth program. This has given our kids the opportunity to experience the academic and athletic college environment they would not normally have access to. Our students had the opportunity to celebrate and have dialogue with players and staff which offered great exposure to those seeking a degree in the future. There is an overwhleming need for our youth to learn about leadership and their connection to our community. LIFT Health has been instrumental in assisting in their overall development."
2008
Year
Established
218
Youth
Impacted
15
Active
Community Projects
LIFE IS FINDING TRUTH
"Have A Different Option"
Florida Gators and 2016 NFL Draftees, Jonathan Bullard (Defensive Lineman, Chicago Bears) and Valdez Showers (Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins) had an open discussion with our youth about the challenges of being a student-athlete. Showers pointed out that the key to succeeding in college is to put your education first and have excellent time management. Bullard highlighted that only a limited number of athletes are able to make it through the college experience and choosing friends that will support your overall success is pivotal.
THE YOUTH SPEAK
I learned that there are more possibilites for myself. I hope to attend the University of Alabama and I realize that having a good GPA will increase my options as a student and also as an athlete.
Anthony
12th Grade Student
I never knew there was a lifestyle that student-athletes had to live by. This opened my eyes and helped me see that there is more to just playing sports. You have to LIVE right, THINK right and be around the right people.
Mikael
10th Grade Student
Having a plan B is always important. Life doesn't always go as we plan it so we have to create different options for ourselves in order to be successful.
Tiquana
11th Grade Student
This experience helped me see that the people you surround yourself with can sometimes be the reason you fail. I learned that getting good grades and having good friends is what will make me successful.
Maurice
9th Grade Student
