Springfield College Center for Wellness Education and Research Introduces Wellness Through Sports Program

The Springfield College Center for Wellness Education and Research, in collaboration with the Greater Springfield YMCA and the Dunbar Community Center, is leading a new initiative entitled, “Wellness through Sports.”  The program is designed to teach kids practical skills to improve nutrition, physical activity, and stress management while promoting participation in youth sports. 

"Giving the kids an opportunity to learn a new sport while also learning practical information about their nutrition and physical activity habits is really exciting,” said Springfield College Center for Wellness Education and Research Director Richard J. Wood.  “This is a great example of the strong collaboration between the Springfield College Center for Wellness Education and Research, the Greater Springfield YMCA, and the Dunbar Community Center, being used to provide opportunities for kids in our community."

Each Friday through May 2, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., at the Dunbar Community Center, Springfield College faculty members and students will lead youngsters through a five-week program teaching the sport of volleyball.  Participants include boys and girls ranging in ages from nine to 13 years old and they will learn fundamental volleyball skills, learn practical skills on making healthy nutrition choices, learn practical, fun ways to increase daily physical activity, learn age-specific stress-management skills, and understand options for continuing play in the sport of volleyball.

Housed in the Springfield College School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and directed by Richard J. Wood, the mission of the Springfield College Center for Wellness Education and Research is to become the preeminent provider of practical, individualized wellness solutions aimed at disease prevention.