Hyland Named National Guard Community MVP of the Year
August 6, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Blaze defensive back David Hyland has been named the 2012 National Guard Community MVP of the Year, the Arena Football League announced today. Hyland took time out of his busy playing schedule in 2012 and made a conscious effort to make a difference in the community.
As the leader of the Utah Blaze Stay Active, Stay Strong program, Hyland visited local elementary schools across the state to promote living a healthy and active lifestyle. The program lasted throughout the season and gave Hyland and his teammates the opportunity to communicate the importance exercise to the community's youth.
"We have been encouraging the kids by telling them to stay active, put down the video games for a little bit and go outside and play," Hyland said. "It's important to tell them that when we were growing up, staying active not only kept us in shape, but really helped us get to where we are now."
Hyland practiced what he preached by getting outside and enjoying recess with all of the children at the schools. He even participated in a "Jump-A-Thon" event at a local Salt Lake City elementary school, where he put his jump rope and hula-hoop skills on display.
Hyland also volunteered his time to the Muscular Dystrophy Association by participating in the organization's annual Salt Lake City Muscle Walk. "The event consisted of mostly younger kids with muscular dystrophy. They were in their wheelchairs and we went to cheer them on like they would do for us at a sporting event."
"It really puts everything in perspective and gives you an appreciation for the little things like walking and being able to do things for yourself," Hyland said. "I just have so much respect for those kids and how hard they work to overcome that."
Hyland plans on continuing to use his status as a member of the Blaze to help improve the community and its youth. "It's a great opportunity to use the platform that we've been given as professional athletes to help other people."
Arena Football League Stories from August 6, 2012
- Joe Sykes Named Afl's Gametape Exchange Defensive Lineman of the Year - San Jose SaberCats
- Sykes, Young Named Gte Defensive and Spalding Offensive Linemen of the Year - AFL
- John Dutton Named 2012 Al Lucas AFL Pulse Hero Award Winner - Cleveland Gladiators
- Milwaukee's Everett, Vasquez Named to All-Arena Team - Milwaukee Mustangs
- Hyland Named National Guard Community MVP of the Year - Utah Blaze
- Hyland, Dutton Awarded for Excellence in Community Service - AFL
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