Gatorade Support in Staten Island

We are thrilled to be a recipient of the Gatorade Equity in Sports Community Grant. This funding has made our Fit + Fuel program possible in Staten Island. As our first partnership in the outer-borough, this trial program couples strength and conditioning (“Fit”) with essential nutrition and cooking lessons (“Fuel”). This grant has allowed our instructors to equip the students at The Young Women’s Leadership School with a wide range of wellness activities. These activities include badminton, weightlifting, bowling, cardio exercises, circuit training, and various other sports techniques.

Students are also learning to prepare nutritious meals from scratch, practicing cooking techniques and meal planning. This unique program lets us begin by understanding the goals of our students and then helping to provide the tools necessary to reach these goals. Informed by a roadmap of their own making, they navigate various skill-sets via proven performance techniques that ultimately build their confidence and knowledge base. The students are prompted to think about how culture and socioeconomic status influences our lifestyle and how they can have a positive influence by making healthier choices.

Student athletes from Wagner College’s Athletic Department have volunteered to help run this program and served as real-life examples of the beneficial impacts of healthy lifestyle choices. This supportive, engaging environment has allowed the young women at this school to discover new talents, practice healthier habits with their families, and show off their culinary skills.