Oct. 24, 2011
IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s soccer program is teaming up with soccer programs around the country and the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation to help raise awareness about type 2 diabetes and obesity, both problems facing young Native Americans today.
The Be a Game Changer Campaign is helping Native American children get active through soccer and golf programs, as well as focus on healthy lifestyles with programs on nutrition and healthy choices. The foundation was started in 2005 by Notah Begay III, a four-time PGA TOUR winner, as a way to combat the 1-in-2 chances of Native American children getting type 2 diabetes and bring leadership opportunity to the young generation.
As a part of the national movement, the Iowa women’s soccer team has received the Be a Game Changer banner, learned about the risks facing the group of young people and played a role in promoting the efforts of the NB3 Foundation.
“We’re excited to be a part of the traveling banner campaign,” head coach Ron Rainey said. “We know that exercising and living healthy are both important things and we hope some positive things can come from this movement. Participating with other schools in this national movement is exciting for us.”
For more information about the NB3 Foundation and the Be a Game Changer campaign, visit the organization’s website at www.nb3foundation.com. Pictures of teams across the nation with the banner and information on how to donate to the foundation can be found on the site.
