Kids from the Park and Rec Summer Program had the opportunity to come to the Parisi Speed School program at Riverside Athletic Club, 500 S. Center Ave., Merrill.
The Park and Rec Summer Parisi Program had 35 children participate during the summer in 18 sessions over the course of 11 weeks. Eric Filipiak, Parisi Program director, said they conducted an initial evaluation with the children to establish baseline numbers, allowing them to monitor their progress.
The children had the opportunity to participate in a number of activities. Every session began with a number of exercises from the Active Dynamic Warm-Up (ADW), the signature of the Parisi Speed School. The ADW is used as a warm-up, a workout and gives the coaches a chance to evaluate their athletes on a daily basis. The remaining class time consisted of content covering a number of areas ranging from proper arm action, progression sprints, acceleration drills, mechanical drills for change of direction, and functional bodyweight training, team building activities, and some games.
“We discussed the ’12 words’ of Parisi; Attitude, Commitment, Preparation, Respect, Character, Courage, Integrity, Responsibility, Adversity, Belief, Perseverance, and Discipline,” Said Filipiak. “We addressed how these words should be an active part of their social, school and sport life. We also stressed the importance of proper sleep and nutrition habits in order to be a more successful student-athlete. “
This program utilized funding assistance provided through a partnership with Ministry Health Care. Each child had assisted funding, making it more cost effective for the parents/guardians.
The Parisi Speed School has funding available and allocated to be used specifically for this purpose of Team Camps. They can be any team or club. The camp structure begins with aiming for 20 participants and 12 sessions, with that starting point is 50% assisted funding for total cost. There is definite latitude with the structure. If the team is interested in more sessions, there are more athletes, etc. Parents and coaches should call the Parisi Speed School to take advantage of the opportunity being offered.
“This is a program that will help your child in any sport, recess, physical education class, school curriculum, socially and at home,” said Filipiak. “As they see increases with all of their physical attributes, they most importantly see an increase with their self-confidence.”
For information about Riverside Athletic Club and the Parisi Speed School, call 715-536-2481 or visit their website www.riversideathletic.com.