The Celtics Launch ‘Fit to Win’ Program

In conjunction with the YMCA and Sun Life Financial, the program's goal is to fight diabetes.

Championship banners image via Jason Tench/Shutterstock

Championship banners image via Jason Tench/Shutterstock

The Boston Celtics and Sun Life Financial are teaming up again with a program called “Fit to Win,” whose goal is to “improve the health and well-being of young people throughout the city of Boston, as well as promoting diabetes education.”

Starting tomorrow, January 22, and in conjunction with NBA Fit Week, the program will debut at the Menino YMCA in Hyde Park. The four week series of events begins with a “Draft Day,” where participants will sign ‘Fit to Win contracts’ that will help participants earn Celtics-themed prizes.

“We are proud to launch our Fit to Win program, which teaches children fun and easy steps for maintaining an active lifestyle,” Celtics President Rich Gotham said in a statement. “Initiatives such as these not only create awareness, but put into action that proper nutrition and exercise can lead to better health and wellness in our communities.”

The program is for elementary school students in Grades 3 through 6. Students participate in daily workouts, while learning valuable lessons about eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle. Participants are awarded prizes for each week the YMCA site meets the set goals. At the end of the four-week session, there’s a “Championship Event” celebration.

“Sun Life is committed to our continued efforts to promote healthy living and diabetes awareness through our ongoing partnership with the Boston Celtics,” said Sun Life Financial U.S. President Dan Fishbein, in a statement. “We are excited to support the YMCA of Greater Boston with the Fit to Win program, which will educate and empower children to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.”

The Fit to Win program is an extension of the season-long diabetes prevention initiative that first launched in November.