The summer has its rituals and the EmblemHealth Bronx Open, the annual tennis competition that brings top-ranked women players to Crotona Park before they square off at the U.S. Open, is one of them.
The event, kicking off Aug. 22 and benefiting the New York Junior Tennis League (NYJTL), is known for the world-class tennis it brings to the borough. But, Crotona Park also offers free daily tennis lessons from 12 pm to 3 pm, which have introduced more than one child to a love of the sport and even opened a path to college.
“We have a long tradition of supporting the health and wellness of the communities we serve,” said Frank Branchini, president and chief operating officer of EmblemHealth, which sponsors the event. “Our commitment to the Bronx Open is a key element of that support.”
In a borough that registers some of the highest obesity rates nationwide and where type two-diabetes has been spreading among the pediatric population, local families can use all the help they can get.
“We highlight the importance of fitness in combating pediatric obesity, and [support] academic accomplishment for overall [health] in youth,” said Branchini. The league — which partners with EmblemHealth for the tournament and was founded by Arthur Ashe to promote health, education and athletic opportunities among underprivileged kids all over the five boroughs — “greatly fosters [that],” he added.
As part of the EmblemHealth Bronx Open’s focus on health, the organization will offer skin cancer screenings, safety tips for summer fun, obesity and diabetes prevention, and dietary counseling.
Children can also learn how to take pictures through a digital photography workshop with Ed Bobrow, a renowned nature and landscape specialist, and his group of photographers. They will be teaching the league kids how to use the camera, see beyond what’s in the lens and take action shots of the players.
“It’s a great venue because it presents sports action, a chance to see audiences’ reaction and to find beauty in the mundane, all in the Bronx!” said Bobrow, who hopes that children will learn to look at the world in ways they have never experienced before.
“[This] is a community event with so much opportunity for interaction, even if one is not participating in the sport.”
Kids’ Day
On Aug. 26, EmblemHealth will encourage good-eating habits among kids by featuring a double performance this year of the “New Food Guide Pyramid Musical.” during the annual Kids’ Day. More than 2,000 children are expected to attend.
Helen Butleroff, the former-Rockette-turned-certified-dietitian who created the musical, which she takes to the city’s public schools to fend off the scourge of childhood obesity, will be joined by Broadway actors for the special performances (a second one will take place on the tennis courts).
The message she wants all kids to take home is threefold — consume a balanced diet by incorporating foods from all groups: grains, veggies and fruits, meats and dairy.
“People think that if they just eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, that means they’re eating a healthy diet,” Butleroff said. “But it doesn’t mean that!”
Also, making the correct food choices within each group by favoring whole grains, lean meats (turkey versus ribs), and low-fat dairy alternatives (skim or one-percent milk versus whole) for example, is essential. Exercise, her third recommendation, is just as important.
“[Families] need to get up and move,” she said. “Dance with your kids, pretend to do a ‘Star Search’ and then give a prize to the best dancer.” Walking together in the many parks and gardens around the city, exploring a new borough, and taking in free events — like the Bronx Open — where people can pick up a new sport, are precisely the type of activities to look for, added Butleroff.
A cooking workshop with celebrity Chef Max Fleurival on Aug. 23 will focus on helping Bronx parents incorporate wholesome meals into their household, get their children involved in grocery shopping and preparing healthier food.
“[Parents] work, they come home tired. A common solution is to pick up some fast food and feed it to the kids — eliminating pots, pans and even dishes,” said Denise Shearer, special events manger at EmblemHealth.
“Rich and poor families can still offer a variety of foods by taking the time to learn and work together.”
EmblemHealth Bronx Open [Crotona Park, (347) 417-8129], Aug. 22-28. Free, except for the final, Aug. 28, $10. Rain date Aug. 29. For info, visit www.nyjtl.org.
