Champion Snowboarder Promotes Nutrition and Physical Activity to West Michigan Kids
In early May, hundreds of kids from schools around West Michigan got active and learned about dairy nutrition at the Amway Riverbank Jr. Run. Held at Grandville Middle School, runners completed a mile or half mile run on the track. A highlight of the event was a celebrity appearance by champion snowboarder and Milk Means More athlete, Jake Vedder. The kids and parents were very excited to learn what it takes to be a professional athlete.
Vedder, from Pinckney Michigan, is the youngest snowboarder on Team USA at just 21 years old. He has achieved multiple medals and World Cup appearances, where his big break was winning a gold medal for the U.S. at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Winter Games. This past February, the reigning Junior World Champion finished fifth in the World Championships.
Before the race began, Vedder shared his story and encouraged the kids to work hard and eat a healthy diet so they can have the energy to achieve all of their dreams in their sport or passion.
Milk Means More athlete, Jake Vedder signs autograph for young runner at the Amway Riverbank Jr. Run in West Michigan.
“To represent your country is so important to me, and it’s important to never give up,” says Vedder. “Growing up, I wasn’t the best snowboarder, but I stuck with it. It really all comes back to the foundation of good nutrition and that is why I am here with Milk Means More and Conquer With Milk.”
Watch the full interview with Maranda here.
As a professional athlete and a Milk Means More Ambassador, Vedder understands a healthy diet consists of all five food groups, including dairy. Chocolate milk is just one way he incorporates dairy into his active lifestyle because it contains carbs and protein his body needs after physical activity.
“After my competitions, I always reach for chocolate milk because it contains the nutrients and protein my body needs to recover after taking on the slopes,” says Vedder. “It’s great to know I am refueling my body with a nutritious product that will help me in the long run. I want to teach healthy habits like this to young athletes, too. And let’s be honest, chocolate milk tastes so good.”
After the race, the runners, and their families visited the family fun center to toast their victory with chocolate milk and take part in other activities focusing on fitness and wellness.
When asked Vedder how he felt after the run, he eagerly responded he was ready for chocolate milk! Now that’s a statement we can cheers to! To learn more about chocolate milk and athletes, click here.
All smiles from runners at the Amway Riverbank Jr. Run after receiving their chocolate milk and autographs from Vedder.
Do you know of any Michigan students who want to help lead their school towards healthy lifestyles? Fuel up To Play 60 may be the perfect fit for them! Learn more about Fuel Up To Play 60 here.
