The Miami Dolphins completed their annual Southwest Florida trip with a visit to Tortuga Preserve Elementary School in Lehigh Acres for the Gatorade Junior Training Camp (JTC). Nearly 500 students participated in the event, which consisted of football drills and life lessons.
“It’s great because the Dolphins are showing the students of the community about reading and making education a priority,” Tortuga Preserve Assistant Principal Elizabeth Feliciano said. “It’s nice to see the adults of that profession giving back to the kids. It’s very important and beautiful to see.”
The training camp began with Youth Programs Director Twan Russell giving the students a pep talk, focusing on the elements of living a “Dol-Fit” lifestyle. Russell spoke of the importance of getting an education, staying physically fit and making positive choices.
The camp continued with the fitness aspect of it, where the students participated in six interactive football drills that focused on the fundamentals of the game, including running, throwing and catching.
“I am very glad we can make it out to the Southwest and continue our reach outside of just South Florida,” Russell said. “The students of Tortuga Preserve were very engaged today, and we had a great time teaching them the fundamentals of football and a healthy lifestyle.”
Tortuga Preserve Elementary, home to 700 students, is in its first year of existence. The school preaches a healthy lifestyle for its students, which includes a strong physical education program as well as healthy food options in the cafeteria.
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Department travels to Southwest Florida annually in order to reach kids all over Florida. The department will return this summer where they will conduct a summer camp at Estero High School from July 8-12.
You may visit DolphinsAcademy.com to learn more about the programs, sign up for Dolphins summer camps or to request dates for school visits.