When I think of my own mom and my role as a sports mom, I realize how we, moms, wear many hats — coach, cheerleader and confidant — but regardless of the role, we are often our aspiring athlete’s No.1 fan and hold a special spot on the sidelines. I know all too well, from my own experiences!
To kick-off this special program, the president of Gatorade, Sarah Robb O’Hagan, shared background on the commitment Gatorade has to young athletes. Sports nutrition and health education programs are so incredibly important to lay the foundation for healthy girls and boys for generations to come. To help make this happen, Gatorade is calling upon people to pledge their support to help young athletes in their quest to BECOME the best athlete they can be. For every pledge taken at http://www.gatorade.com/moms, Gatorade will donate one dollar – up to $10,000 – to the Women Sports Foundation.
Then, Leslie Bonci, registered dietitian and sports nutrition consultant to numerous professional sports teams, enlightened all of us about the importance of sports nutrition when raising an athlete. Whether it’s fueling up before, during and after practice or a game or specific tips on how to “Beat the Heat” during the hot summer months, she shared simple information that can really make a difference in the life of a any athlete – on and off the field. What athletes put IN their body is just as important as what they put ON their body.
From education to motivation, Loreane Tomlinson, mother of NFL MVP running back LaDainian Tomlinson, otherwise known as “LT,” pulled at the Sports Moms’ heart strings when talked about a letter LT gave her as a 17-year-old and talked about how she helped him BECOME the athlete he is today. The Sports Moms were the very first to see Loreane’s webisode, the latest offering in the Gatorade Sports Moms BECOME series. It’s worth watching – check it out at http://www.gatorade.com/moms
Following the video, it was my turn to take the stage and explain the influence and impact my mom’s participation had in helping me BECOME the best athlete I can be and how I pass it along to my children as a sports mom. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her guidance, support, sacrifice and inspiration and look forward to encouraging my children as they pave their own road.
The event culminated with the Gatorade team inviting the Sports Moms to receive an autographed copy of Loreane’s book, “LT and Me,” meet me and visit the G-Pod booth at PepsiCo Place to check out G Series FIT – the latest innovation from Gatorade specifically for fitness athletes. People also had the opportunity to get their photo virtually taken with one of my favorite’s -US Women’s Soccer player Hope Solo, and pledge to support the Gatorade BECOME campaign.
As a mom, I know everyone at the event was over the moon to receive the recognition and motivation they truly deserve, while celebrating how they fuel, cheer and inspire their athlete to BECOME the best athlete they can be!
