In all over 50 local youth took part along with 50 student-athletes from ECC institutions.  The student-athletes spent an hour leading groups of children through nine stations that focused on the importance of fitness and healthy living. Among the stations were fitness Simon says, hot potato volleyball, a relay race and yoga.

 
After the hour of activity was through, the participants were fed a healthy chicken dinner from Boston Market and received an ECC gift. 

 
“This was our best turnout yet for this great ECC community engagement event held this year in conjunction with our Volleyball championships,” said ECC Commissioner, Robert Dranoff. “We had almost 50 youngsters from the community and over 50 student athletes from our member schools.  They all enjoyed a great afternoon of fitness activities, fun and food.”

 

Afterward the participants were invited to stay and watch the ECC Volleyball championships featuring Dowling College and the University of Bridgeport.  In between sets the participants took part in a volleyball relay on the court, becoming part of the championship action.

 
“We were really pleased that so many kids and their families stayed around to see our championship game,” said Dranoff.

 
The day would not have been such a great success without help from the athletics staff at NYIT and the student-athletes who participated. Said Dranoff, “We really thank the folks at NYIT for their help in putting this event together and especially thank the student athletes who made the day so great for the kids.”

 
Molloy College women’s lacrosse student-athlete Christina Metelenis echoed Dranoff’s sentiments, saying, “I must say it was a great feeling to have the kids look up to you. Overall, I felt it was a positive experience and to be honest, I think the student athletes enjoyed it just as much as the kids did!”