"X-Squad" offers children fun, fitness
April 14, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
SOUTHAVEN â What do you get when you mix a petting zoo, a fun bounce, football, and hundreds of small children together? X-citement.
The X-Squad, the Xplorers arena football team's club for children ages 2-12, will host a pre-game "just for kids" party this Friday from 6-7 p.m. outside of the DeSoto Civic Center before the team takes on the Arkansas Twisters at 7:30 p.m.
"This may be the first time some of these children have ever seen some of these animals in person, much less had the opportunity to pet one," Xplorers Community Relations Representative Stacie White said.
"Also, these large inflatables offer a fun way for children to get exercise. This gives us a great way to promote healthy lifestyles, which is a big part of our mission as a sports team."
In addition to using their "celebrity status" as a professional athlete to help motivate children to learn more and explore new horizons, White said the community relations department has recognized a need to emphasize healthy choices among children. Whenever possible in community relations events, getting sufficient exercise and making healthy choices is emphasized.
White said much of this emphasis comes from recent government health statistics in the tri-state area. For instance, in Mississippi, a larger percentage of the population is obese than in any other state, and Mississippi has the largest percentage of obese children at 40 percent. Obesity is directly related to health problems, including diabetes and heart disease.
"It's just a small part we can play, but it gives children a positive physical, social and mental outlet," White said.
The pre-game party will take place before all of the eight home games (weather permitting), thanks to X-Squad sponsors Happy Times Farm Traveling Petting Zoo, Fun Bounce and The Cake Lady Bakery. Future games will be on Saturdays at 7 p.m., so the pre-game party for those dates will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The first pre-game children's party is open to everyone; however, for future games, X-Squad membership will be required to enter the party. Cost to join is just $10 for the entire season. X-Squad member benefits also include exclusive on-field participation in the "Fling-A-Football" event at every game, admission to an X-Squad-members-only party with the Xplorers team, an X-Squad T-shirt and two club newsletters.
Fans may tailgate in the parking lot prior to the start of the game. Radio station Q 107.5 FM will broadcast by live radio remote beginning at 5 p.m. from outside the main entrance. Additionally, three lucky fans will have a chance to win a brand new Scion TC 5-Speed in the target toss contest during the game courtesy of Covington Pike Scion and Toyota. To register, visit guest services inside the main concourse during the game. For more information call Stacie at 662-342-1755.
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