Flyers Assembly Team Visits Mennies School
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The assembly was videotaped by VPS Broadcasting and will be aired on Channel 13 the week of May 21.
Former Philadelphia Flyers hockey star Bob “The Hound” Kelly, now part of the Flyers/Phantoms school assembly team, spoke to students at Mennies Elementary School this week on the club’s formula for success ---TEAM (teamwork, education, attitude and motivation).
It was a high energy, multimedia presentation and clearly captivated the attention of the elementary school students.
The message --- focus on study, good nutrition and positive relationships with peers and adults – was carefully crafted to make an impression on the students without overdoing it. Even the video clips of Kelly’s hard-hitting hockey days were quickly followed up with his message that the right approach to solving problems with others was discussion and mediation --- not violence.
The Flyers and Phantoms visited 84 schools last year and reached more than 25,000 students.
“The Philadelphia Flyers and Phantoms are dedicated to improving the Greater Philadelphia Region, which has supported us so well over the years, through our leadership of and assistance with various community events and programs,” said Jennifer Kron, a club spokesperson. “The Community Relations and Fan Development Departments focus their efforts on programs that assist in the development and positive growth of children, using the sport of hockey as the means to touch the lives of others. Specific community activities include hospital visits, youth hockey clinics, holiday volunteering, educational assemblies and seminars, and donations of autographed and promotional items to charitable organizations. With support from the entire Flyers and Phantoms organizations, we strive to make our community a better place to live.”
Kelly’s visit was organized by Susan Serra, physical education and health teacher at Mennies.
“I read about the (assembly) program while I was on the Flyers website,” said Serra. “While at a game, I inquired about it at the Fan Development & Community Relations table. When I found out it was FREE, I got busy right away trying to book it before the end of the year.
Originally, the assembly was planned to coincide with National Sports & Fitness Week (April 29 to May 5), but had to be rescheduled, she said.
“I have since discovered two more programs: ‘Make Reading Your Goal and Face Off For Fitness’,” said Serra. “Flyers Athletic Trainer, Jim McCrossin brings a message on benefits of healthy eating and exercising. He uses fun activities and even brings players' favorite nutritional recipes. I would especially like to bring this program here because it reinforces what I teach about childhood obesity and the problems it causes young people.”