This past spring, players from the National Basketball Association team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, put their “Thunder Fit” program to work teaching Oklahoma National Guard members new ways to stay fit and healthy.
Players and trainers from the Thunder’s youth basketball program worked with 40 Guard members for 45 minutes of agility and endurance training.
The Thunder Fit event took place at The Hive Sports Complex in Edmond, Oklahoma. The circuit training consisted of basketball dribbling and shooting drills, sprints, knee lifts and other agility exercises to show the Guard members new, fun ways to exercise.
“I think it’s very important for us to host events for the military,” then- Oklahoma City Thunder player Corey Brewer said. “We should do this all the time, just to say thank you.”
Thunder Fit, one of several community outreach programs run by the team, can be tailored for participants ranging from elementary school age to senior citizens.
“There is a great deal of respect, honor and joy from both sides – the Thunder players along with staff and from our Soldiers and Airmen,” said LTC Lindy White, the Oklahoma National Guard’s director of military and civilian relations. “This outreach opportunity is great for morale and continues to help build strong community ties. We appreciate the time the OKC Thunder dedicated to this event.”
In addition to the workout opportunity, Guard members received advice from a nutritionist on the body’s nutritional needs and what foods they should eat to build strong bodies and minds.
SGT Brian Williams, a member of the 45th Field Artillery Brigade, was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the event. “I’m glad the Oklahoma Guard put this together for us,” he said. “It really put a smile on my face. … I’m honored to be a part of this.”
By MAJ Geoff Legler, Oklahoma National Guard
