Quakes' Salinas visits Noddin Elementary
Midfielder stresses importance of healthy lifestyle to students
The Texas native stressed the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle had on his life growing up playing multiple sports. Salinas, a former cross country star, explained to the children how the choices he made as a child to eat healthy foods helped him achieve his goal of becoming a professional athlete. He said making healthy eating choices gave him more energy and allowed him to play better. The crowd consisted of very committed Earthquakes fans, and the children insisted on learning Salinas' eating habits in hopes to be more like him. He spoke about how small choices like choosing wheat bread and pasta can go a long way. He encouraged the students to drink water instead of soda, especially in the warm California weather.
After Salinas finished speaking, he opened the floor to a question and answer session. The children asked Salinas a wide variety of questions ranging from what motivates him to play soccer to questions about the Earthquakes and their current season.
To conclude the afternoon, the 5'10" midfielder signed player cards and Earthquakes staff handed out over 150 jersey replica shirts and 150 tickets, donated by Amway Global, to the students to attend the Earthquakes next home game on October 7 at 7:00 p.m. PT against FC Dallas at Buck Shaw Stadium.
The Earthquakes and Amway Global teamed up to create the Amway Global Kicks for Kids program in 2009. Through the program, Earthquakes players visited 15 schools or community centers in the Bay Area this season to discuss the importance of being active and living a healthy lifestyle.
