Boise, ID (Wednesday, August 10, 2016) – Children at Treasure Valley YMCA locations will be using new fitness and sports equipment soon, courtesy of the Idaho Beef Council and Idaho Dairy Council. On Tuesday, August 9, 2016 the councils joined forces and held the first Idaho Sports Nutrition Symposium in Boise. Instead of charging a registration fee to attend the symposium featuring leading sports nutrition experts from across the U.S., the beef and dairy councils asked attendees to bring sport and activity equipment for kids. More than $1,500 worth of new equipment, such as basketballs, soccer balls, jump ropes, fitness equipment and other items, were collected and donated to the YMCA to support and encourage youth fitness.
“The Idaho Beef and Dairy Council’s have similar missions - - both of us are committed to health and wellness and encouraging individuals to embrace healthy, active lifestyles,” said Traci Bracco, Executive Director of the Idaho Beef Council. “We hope this donation will make a big difference and enable more kids to participate in sports and fitness at their local YMCA.” This sentiment was further echoed by Crystal Wilson, VP of Health & Wellness of the Idaho Dairy Council, who said, “Our organizations believe passionately in the benefits of healthy eating and being active, from the perspective of improving physical health and well-being in children as well as nurturing life skills such as teamwork. We’re excited to partner together to provide this donation to the YMCA and support youth in our local community.”
Annually 10,000 kids participate in youth sports at the YMCA Treasure Valley locations. According to Alison Huppert, Regional Executive Director for the YMCA, the items will be split between the Boise locations as well as Caldwell. She further added, “We are so grateful to be the recipients of the equipment donation from this event. When we were approached by the Idaho Beef Council and Idaho Dairy Council about their idea of equipment donations in lieu of registration fees, we were humbled because they thought of the Y, excited because the idea was innovative and unique, and inspired by their community-centric approach to everything they do.”