UTICA, N.Y. -- About 200 young athletes from Central New York put their athletic skills to the test Saturday. Speed, agility, and strength drills are all part of the 'Where There's Will, There’s A Way' football camp. The camp was founded by New Orleans Saints defensive end, and Utica Proctor grad Will Smith.
"Make themselves better players, whether it's in high school, or college, or even going to the NFL,” said Will Smith, Camp Founder.
In addition to football, the camp stresses the importance of good physical fitness and leading a healthy life.
"It's too easy now not to be active so the most important thing we can do is push activity on the kids and the importance of it for a healthy lifestyle,” said Jon Bryant, Camp Director.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overweight children and adolescents are more likely to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. One study found that eighty percent of overweight children between 10 and 15 were obese by age 25. Another study found that 25 percent of obese adults were overweight as children.
Childhood and adolescent obesity rates continue to be a health concern across the country. Experts say lack of physical exercise is one of the main contributors to the problem. But as News 10 Now's Brad Vivacqua tells us, Where There's A Will There's A Way to fighting the epidemic.
Smith said camps like this can get kids off the couch and get them active. That will only help decrease the rising rates of childhood and adolescent obesity across the country.
"Just to have them go out and stay active instead of sitting in the house watching TV, or playing video games. I think it's important to get out of the house. That's what I do with my kids, I make sure they get out and run around and play, and do little things and watching what they eat,” said Smith.
Smith said parents can play the largest role in helping children make good decisions, and, if there's a will, there can be a way to good health.
New Orleans Saints defensive back Anwar Phillips also attended and helped athletes with this year’s camp.