Wellness Conference: Get in the swim

Much-honored youth mentor and subject of the recently released feature film “Pride,” swim coach Jim Ellis will be the keynote speaker on the closing day of the 2007 School Wellness Conference being held Oct. 1–2 at the Anaheim Marriott.

In 1971, Ellis founded the Philadelphia Department of Recreation Swim Team and subsequently built a highly successful program in one of the city’s most impoverished and predominately African-American neighborhoods at a time when the world of competitive swimming was dominated by whites. Over the past 36 years, Ellis’ coaching and mentoring has not only shaped young athletes physically but also taught them important lessons about overcoming adversity through hard work and determination. Ellis connects the benefits of physical activity and student achievement, how teams build communities and how parents and family connect with the coach and create accountability for children. His discussion will inspire participants to continue working toward healthy communities, schools and children.

A cooperative effort of CSBA and the California departments of Education and Health Services, the 2007 School Wellness Conference is a concerted effort to improve the learning environments, overall healthy eating habits and physical education of California’s public schoolchildren.

• This unique event will highlight:
• best practices and resources
• statewide success stories and model program workshops
• healthy nutrition environments and quality physical education programs
• sample policies that promote health on school campuses
• strategies to help schools succeed in implementing and evaluating their wellness policies

School board members, superintendents, food service directors, school nurses, teachers, administrators, parents, students and others involved in the development and implementation of wellness policies are encouraged to attend this inaugural conference.

Related link:

Register online at www.csba.org/events or by calling 800-266-3382 ext. 3275