Local college student athletes helped rock recess last week at the Segue Institute for Learning in Central Falls, RI, and the Ashton School in Cumberland, RI. Members of the Bryant University Men’s Football Team and Women’s Bowling Team jumped into recess at the Segue Institute while Providence College athletes representing the Men’s & Women’s Ice Hockey, Men’s Swim, Women’s Field Hockey, and Women’s Basketball teams had a great time playing with students at the Ashton School.
The athletes helped celebrate the Recess Rocks in Rhode Island initiative, a partnership between Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and Playworks New England. With a focus on positively impacting the school climate through fun and engaging play, the initiative is also addressing the needs of communities impacted by long-term inequities. Through the Recess Rocks in Rhode Island program, Playworks has trained 124 schools across the state and impacted more than 44,000 students over the last 9 years in how to incorporate more safe, engaging, and empowering play in the school day.
Playworks Coaches Alix and Stephon introduced new games like Magic Tag and Switch on the playground and during indoor recess that had everyone playing and having fun. With the opportunity for the entire school community to be included and tons of high-fives being offered, the visits were a perfect example of healthy and inclusive play.
It’s hard to decide who had more fun – the visiting athletes or the elementary students. Upon their departure at the end of recess, more than one athlete asked when they could come back to play again… another indication of why play is so important to all of us regardless of our age!
If you’re a member of a school community in Rhode Island and interested in learning more about the Recess Rocks in Rhode Island initiative, check out the RRIRI website or email jessi.jasper@playworks.org to learn more.
