Northeast Opportunities for Wellness (NOW) has received $1,000 in grant funds from the Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation. A local non-profit focused on youth wellness, NOW will use the funds to support a series of free wellness clinics in 2018, designed to introduce the benefits of sports, fitness, and nutrition to area children.

For the past several years, NOW has hosted clinics focused on a variety of sports, including football, soccer, basketball, running, lacrosse, and hockey. Each event is free to children ranging in age from 3 to 15, and includes volunteer participation from area coaches and students. In addition to sports, children learn about nutrition and participate in general fitness activities, including stretching, yoga, and other wellness-related challenges.

Past grants from the Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation have helped support other wellness initiatives close to NOW’s mission, including a series of healthy cooking events for families, and a youth yoga program. NOW Executive Director, Sarah Wolfburg expressed her appreciation to the Foundation, “The clinics are an important part of NOW’s outreach in the community and we are grateful to the Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation for this year’s grant funds. The $1,000 will help us with the costs associated with the clinics, including facility fees, supplies, and educational materials.”

NOW staff are in the process of planning the calendar of wellness events for 2018 and have two events scheduled thus far. On Sunday, March 4^th NOW will host a clinic focused on Track & Field events, including running, jumping, throwing, and other activities. On Sunday, April 8^th, NOW will partner with The Arc Quinebaug Valley for the Spectrum of Sports clinic. This event features a variety of sports, and invites volunteer coaches and student athletes to work with children of all abilities. As additional clinics are scheduled, information will be available via social media and the NOW website.