This summer nearly 400 senior citizens and children in the South Jersey area will have the opportunity to receive health education while watching America’s favorite pastime, baseball, at Campbell’s Field in Camden, N.J., as part of Ross University School of Medicine’s (RUSM) 2013 season sponsorship of the Camden Riversharks.
The goal of the sponsorship is to increase awareness of good practices in promoting health. During designated games, Ross alumni physicians will lead activities in areas such as germ prevention, healthy eating, and musculoskeletal health for seniors. Also, in the picnic area RUSM will offer a healthy menu as an alternative to traditional ballgame fare. Following the games, contests and events will be conducted on the field.
Dr. Joseph Flaherty, dean and chancellor of RUSM, said, “Many of our students are looking forward to careers in communities like those in South Jersey that have a need for skilled physicians. Programs supported by partnerships – such as this one with the Camden Riversharks – are an important part of our mission.”
The first RUSM-sponsored event on Sunday, July 28 at 5:35 p.m. will support the American Cancer Society with about 50 staff and volunteers invited as special guests from the organization’s Eastern Division in Cherry Hill, N.J.
The second event will be on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 7:05 p.m., where RUSM will welcome senior citizens to the ballpark from affiliated organizations throughout the county to enjoy contests that promote healthy living. Following the game, RUSM alumni physicians will join with a member of the Camden Riversharks to lead guests through a stretching session.
The third RUSM-sponsored event will recognize youth from local summer programs on Aug.18 at the 1:35 p.m. game. Trivia competitions, sack races, and obstacle course games will test the children’s health knowledge as well as foster fitness.
Tickets and events are free for the invited members of the community.