Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195
On Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 8 am to 12 noon, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will join the Michael Walton Foundation for the inaugural Al Joyner/Michael Walton Speed and Plyometric Clinic. This free clinic will be held at Coolidge Senior High School located at 6315 5th Street, NW, in Washington, DC.
The 2009 Al Joyner/Michael Walton Speed and Plyometric Clinic is sponsored by 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC, Inc., PowerAde, Fox 5 News and MyVoiceDC.com and is free of charge to all District youth ages 8 to 18. Originally developed to help train Olympic competitors, Plyometric exercises are high intensity training techniques used to develop athletic power (strength and speed) and are often used for training in track and field sports.
In this year’s Al Joyner and Michael Walton Speed and Plyometric Clinic, youth participants will have an opportunity to learn more about a variety of sports techniques, including sprinting and jumping. Youth will have the opportunity to interact with Olympic Gold Medalist Al Joyner along with world class sprinter, and protégée of Joyner, Michael Walton. Both Joyner and Walton will instruct athletes, answer questions from youth participants and participate in the many clinics offered at this event. This is a "can't miss" event for District youth!
Free health screenings will also be offered at the clinic courtesy of 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC, Inc and the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. YMCA's PHD (Physical, Healthy, Driven) health assessment program consists of basic health measures of blood pressure, body fat composition, muscular strength and endurance, cardio fitness and flexibility.
For more information about the Al Joyner/Michael Walton Speed Clinic, contact the Michael Walton Foundation at (301) 868-0171 or via email mwf@michaelwaltonfoundation.org.
For more information about DPR's youth track and field program and club, DC Speed, contact Edgar Sams at (202) 671-0395 or visit the "Athletic Programs" section of DPR's website at dpr.dc.gov.
About the Michael Walton Foundation
Founded in 2002, the Michael Walton Foundation was formed to fill the needs of the Washington, DC and Prince George's County communities by providing additional opportunities for youth ages 10 – 21 to grow and develop, while applying their energy to productive pursuits. The Michael Walton Foundation is designed to expose young people to new opportunities and to empower them to become our leaders of tomorrow.
For information on how to support or contribute to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, please contact DPR's Office of Partnerships and Development at (202) 671-1462 or DPRpartnerships@dc.gov.