“I think it brings out school spirit, unifies the classes and it gets the kids in a good mood,” Parkside Elementary Assistant Principal Larry Barretto said. “The message is also an excellent tie in, and I think it’s important for the kids to realize there’s more to it than just having fun.”
The JTC kicked off with Youth Programs Coordinator Troy Drayton speaking to the students about being Dol-Fit, which stresses a healthy lifestyle through education, physical fitness and making positive choices.
The students then got to enjoy pro-like football training, including drills that emphasize speed, agility and fundamentals.
“The Parkside students were extraordinary today,” Drayton said. “The kids were very enthusiastic, and we got great support from the volunteers, faculty and staff. I’d be happy to visit Parkside again.”
Parkside Elementary, which serves a student body of approximately 750, stresses healthy choices, offering a healthy food menu in the cafeteria and their own field days, which entails each grade participating in a series of physical exercise events.
For more information on the Miami Dolphins Youth Football Clinic, Youth Football Camps, or school visits, contact the Miami Dolphins Youth and Community Programs Department at (305) 943-7272 or youthprograms@dolphins.com.
