Beaver Sports
Greater Napanee Soccer Club was recognized by Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington (KFLA) Public Health for promoting healthier food choices.
The association was awarded $100 towards sports equipment for having the highest number of members participate in the Super Snacks Challenge. Parents and coaches pledged to bring vegetables, fruit and water for sideline snacks to replace sugary drinks and foods.
Tracy McDonough, KFL&A Public Health registered dietitian said that often children are offered sugary snacks and drinks such as juice, sports drinks, cookies and ice cream following sports practices or games.
“These treats have become the norm for children’s snacks, yet don’t provide nutrients needed for healthy growth and development,” McDonough said in a release. “Replacing sugary snacks and drinks with fruit, veggies and water provides children with nutrients their active bodies need, and helps keep the focus on enjoying the sport.”
As part of the program, young athletes were provided with reusable water bottles to help promote the notion of drinking water instead of sports drinks that contain high amounts of sugar.
“The Super Snacks Challenge not only provided an opportunity for leagues to win money towards new equipment, but we hope that it also helped spread the message that kids don’t need to be given sugary snacks to enjoy being active,” added McDonough.