In light of the budget cuts to Miami-Dade Public Schools, we thought you might be interested in how one South Florida company is not only giving back to the community by donation sporting equipment to local public schools, but also encouraging good health and athleticism with our youth.
Ronald F. DeMeo, M.D., surgeon and medical director of Meridian Spine and Interventional Pain Medicine in Coral Gables, Fla., today announced his donation of 175 basketballs, 192 baseballs, 50 bats, 192 footballs, and 200 jump ropes for elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Miami-Dade County. The donation comes in light of a continued rise in obesity, cardiovascular diseases and other health issues among youths, combined with recent budget cuts that are leaving public schools in need of basic athletic equipment. Dr. DeMeo will join school administrators and students during the official donation, which takes place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the Booker T. Washington Senior High School gymnasium located at 1200 NW 6th Ave. Miami, FL 33136.
The donation, valued at almost $20,000, is intended to emphasize the importance of beginning physical activity at a young age. Recent studies show more than a third of young people in grades 9-12 do not regularly engage in high-intensity daily physical activity. The number of high school students attending physical education classes daily dropped from 42% in 1991 to 25% in 1995, and remained stable at that level until 2009 (33%). In 2009, only 22% of 12th grade students attended physical education class (CDC, 2009).
WHO: Meridian Spine and Interventional Pain Medicine and Miami-Dade Public Schools
WHAT: Sports equipment donation for elementary, middle, and high schools
WHEN: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10
WHERE: Booker T. Washington Senior High School
1200 NW 6TH Avenue
Miami, FL 33136