Aurora student-athletes spread fitness message

When Aurora University football and basketball student-athletes Ben Adolph and Aaron Perez led students at Brady Elementary School in a set of push-ups, they weren't just showing off. Adolph and Perez, along with more than 20 other Aurora students, including four student-athletes, took part in a day-long health fair at the school.

As part of the second annual health fair, 500 kindergarten through fifth-grade students rotated through booths manned by Aurora students that focused on nutrition, healthful sleeping, anti-smoking, bike safety, dental hygiene, and how to handle bullying. Student-athletes were in charge of the booth covering the topic of fitness.

The initial idea for the fair came from John Lloyd, associate professor of biology at Aurora, who also is the advisor for the school's science club, which sponsored the event. Ultimately, Lloyd connected with Francisco de los Santos, the principal at Brady and an Aurora graduate.

Each child received a piece of fruit, packets of oatmeal and hot cocoa, as well as bike reflectors, literature and other materials. Two bicycles with helmets, soccer balls, sleeping bags, and other physical education related items were given away as prizes.

"We definitely made a difference," said Lloyd, "and the students learned something about helping out."

-- Compiled by Leilana McKindra