Feb. 13, 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball and the South Carolina Department of Social Services, Division of Early Care & Education announce the Second Annual Health & Fitness Game, which will be on Sun., Feb. 15, as the No. 1/2 Gamecocks take on Vanderbilt at noon at Colonial Life Arena. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. with booths and giveaways to promote healthy food and physical activity for young children and their families. Public service announcements featuring South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley will show at halftime as well.

“Physical activity and healthy eating are a vital part of our children’s success and health in life,” Staley said. “I hope that by bringing children and their families to a family-friendly event that celebrates physical activity, making healthy choices and teamwork, we encourage children to play more, eat smarter and enjoy being physically active.”

This season, DSS distributed a limited number of game tickets free of charge to children who attend Head Start and their fathers in support of Head Start’s Fatherhood Initiative. The inaugural Health & Fitness game was a success last year with a South Carolina adoptive family recognized for its outstanding commitment to the betterment of South Carolina’s children by receiving a game ball at halftime. This year, DSS will honor another adoptive family in the same way.

Leigh Bolick, director of the Division of Early Care & Education, said, “Coach Staley is a successful female athlete who is a positive role model in promoting healthy eating and physical activity for our state’s young children and their families. Her well known advocacy brings awareness to the importance of providing healthy food and quality care, play and physical activity for young children both at home and in child care programs.”