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Dolphins junior training camp

The Miami Dolphins visited Avocado Elementary School in Homestead for the Gatorade Junior Training Camp. Nearly 250 students participated in the JTC, which consisted of interactive football drills and cheerleader routines.

“The Avocado (Elementary) students were great kids, and we had a blast today,” said former Dolphins tight end Troy Drayton, Youth Programs Coordinator. “Teaching these kids about physical fitness, education and making positive choices is crucial.”

Drayton began the morning by lecturing the students on the importance of school, getting exercise and making positive choices. The students were then treated to six interactive football drills and cheerleader routines.

“This is wonderful because not only do [the kids] get to do these drills, but they get to see an excellent role model in Mr. Drayton,” Avocado Assistant Principal Victoria Bourland said. “I think what the Dolphins are doing is great. We can’t tell them how much we appreciate it. The kids will never forget this.”

Avocado Elementary, founded in 1957, is home to approximately 580 students and serves K-3. The school also has some of its own physical fitness initiatives, including the mile club and health club. The mile club encourages children to get exercise by running, and they receive a plastic foot to put on a necklace for every mile they run.

• The Dolphins completed a back-to-back school visit week with an appearance at Palmetto Elementary School in Pinecrest for the Gatorade Junior Training Camp. The Dolphins held two sessions with nearly 500 students participating in the JTC.

“Our students work very hard throughout the year academically, so it’s very good to see the extracurricular side of it,” Palmetto Elementary Principal Eric Torres said. “It’s great, in particular, the Dolphins, who are very admired in the area. For them to come out, it gives the kids a sense that they could achieve through academics and athletics.”

Drayton led the clinic, helping the children with six interactive football drills to enhance speed, agility and fundamentals, such as catching and carrying a football.

“The Palmetto kids were awesome,” Drayton said. “It’s very rewarding to see how much they get out of the JTC, and I think they learned a lot.”

Palmetto Elementary School, which serves Pre-K through fifth grade, founded the wellness initiative Eat Play Succeed, which is now mimicked throughout Miami-Dade County. The school also participates in healthy food choices with their “Tasty Tuesdays” program, which gives students healthier eating options in the cafeteria.

• The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness and positive choices for kids in a safe and fun environment. The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ vision is to prepare the next generation of leaders in staying physically active through Junior Training Camps, Youth Football Clinics and Youth Football Camps.

For information on the Miami Dolphins Youth Football Clinic, Youth Football Camps or school visits, contact the Miami Dolphins Youth and Community Programs Department at 305-943-7272 or youthprograms@dolphins.com.