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Boys & Girls Club wins national honor for sports and rec

Julia Hockenberry, of the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County (center), accepts a Boys & Girls Club Honor Award from Damon Williams and National Youth of the Year Maryah Sullivan at the 109th National Conference in Chicago.

By Bill Moss, Published: May 22, 2015

The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County received an Honor Award for Program Excellence in Sports, Fitness and Recreation during the 109th national conference of Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Chicago.

The organization also received a $5,000 award from MetLife Foundation, sponsor of the annual recognition program, honoring local Clubs for innovative, effective programming leading youth to great futures.
The Honor Award for Program Excellence in Sports, Fitness and Recreation is presented to a Club conducting an outstanding program that helps young people become physically fit, make positive use of leisure time, develop social and stress management skills, and appreciate the environment. In particular, the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County was recognized for successful engagement of families in fitness ac- tivities and their commitment to keep the experience accessible to youth participants.
“The need for abundant opportunities for playful, fun, physical exercise cannot be emphasized enough for our members,” said Mikkel Patterson, athletic director of the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County. “Today’s culture is very sedentary. We’re committed to getting kids up and moving at our Club, and when we can involve the whole family, the impact is even more compelling.”
The Henderson County Club is optimally positioned to generate healthy habits and lifestyle priorities for young people, with structured fitness activities provided 8 hours daily during summer and full-day programs, and five hours daily after school. Members have access to sports experiences including baseball, basketball, golf, dance and soccer. The Club also uses Triple Play, BGCA's comprehensive health and well- ness program, which improves the overall health of Club members by increasing daily physical activity, teaching good nutrition and helping develop healthy relationships.
“In communities nationwide, Boys & Girls Clubs play a vital role in providing young people with safe places to learn and grow,” said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. “We are pleased to recognize the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County for providing exemplary programs and making a positive difference in the lives of local young people.”