October 8, 2015 – Fever players Tamika Catchings, Briann January, Marissa Coleman, Erlana Larkins, and Shenise Johnson host a WNBA Finals FIT clinic.
In the lead up to Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, the Indiana Fever took a break from preparing for another clash with the Minnesota Lynx to spend some quality time mentoring local children.
Alongside WNBA President Laurel J. Richie, Fever players Tamika Catchings, Briann January, Marissa Coleman, Erlana Larkins and Shenise Johnson hosted a WNBA FIT clinic. The session welcomed 90 students from the Christel House Academy. The youngsters interacted with the players, participated in basketball drills and learned the importance of staying active.
“It’s really important for us to give back to the communities where we compete, as that’s part of our DNA,” Richie said. “As we think about the emerging obesity epidemic in this country who better than our players who lead such healthy lifestyles to share this message.”
Each player was in charge of a station where the participants would perform a basketball-related activity. The children did a variety of drills, including shooting layups, sprints and defensive slides. The Fever were more than happy to lead the session.
“It means a ton to have the Christel House Academy here,” January said. “The Fever do a lot of work with this organization, and I’m glad we could be a part of it.”
“It’s a lot of fun in the midst of one of the most important times of our season to come out and celebrate with the kids,” Catchings said. “The clinic is important. It’s important to give back to the community. It’s fun to have the kids come here where we work and participate.”
In addition, the WNBA donated $5,000 to the Christel House Academy, but the children weren’t the only ones who benefited from the event.
“This is a great group of kids, and I think it’s a nice day for the players,” Richie said. “With the high stakes of the playoffs, to have an hour or so to be a kid again and share the game, I actually think they look forward to it and get something out of it as well.”
Johnson agreed saying, “It definitely allows you to relax and put everything into perspective.”
All in all, the WNBA FIT clinic was a win for everyone involved.