SAN ANTONIO: UT Health San Antonio and Spurs Take Charge in Elementary P.E. Classes

On May 8, the San Antonio Spurs Sports Academy in conjunction with UT Health San Antonio, infused fun and learning into routine physical education classes at a northeast side elementary school. Laughter and the familiar clinking of basketballs hitting rim echoed across the schoolyard as the extravagant Spurs Coyote led a group of third graders through a set basketball drills.

Spurs P.E. Takeover

The event, aptly named the Spurs P.E. Takeover, featured UT Health San Antonio sports medicine physicians, Dr. Guy Nicolet te, Dr. Ken O. Kenneth-Nwosa, and Dr. Alberto Oseguera. Together with the Spurs Sports Academy coaches and members of the Spurs Hype Squad, they brought excitement into the P.E. classes held at Camelot Academy. They shared insights and tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing ample sleep, balanced diet, and regular exercise.

Nurturing Future Athletes

Dr. Nicolette, who also serves as the Spurs team doctor, encouraged the students to maintain a balanced diet of fresh vegetables, good proteins, and healthy fats. He stressed the importance of eating well as an essential aspect of preparing to be an athlete, illustrating that great athletes not only enjoy their favorite fast food but endeavor to provide their bodies with the best nutrition.

Thrilling Activities

The third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students performed stretching moves before breaking up into groups. They navigated a floor ladder skill test, and made attempts to sink baskets – all conducted with gusto and cheer. Outside, the Hype Squad led students in a dance routine, highlighting the fact that not all PE activities have to be athletics-centered.

Proactive Community Engagement

Over 200 students participated in the event, each receiving a branded drawstring bag from UT Health San Antonio, and tickets to a San Antonio FC soccer game from Spurs Sports Academy. Austin Peebles, the Spurs Sports Academy associate director noted that while these events give the kids a great time, they are also an opportunity for the doctors and teachers to “give back” to the community. He also revealed that these PE takeovers began about nine years ago and the Academy has been conducting eight such events per year throughout the city.

Effective Balance and Moderation

Speaking on the importance of balance, Dr. Nicolette mentioned the necessity of moderation among children especially in today’s gaming culture. He warns against being overly prohibitive, and instead promotes achieving a harmonious balance between fun activities and maintaining physical and mental health.

A Ripple Effect of Compassion

The school’s assistant principal, Shara Wade, stated that events of this kind clearly demonstrate to the students that there is a wider community that genuinely cares for them. She referred to the compassion showed by the Spurs staff and physicians, proposing that this compassion extends even to their families, creating a “ripple effect.”