Mets and New York City Department of Health team up for "Fitness & Nutrition Education Day" at Shea Stadium

Thursday, June 12 at 11:00 a.m. prior to game against Diamondbacks; More than 10,000 kids join effort to combat childhood obesity; Special guests include "The Biggest Loser" stars Bill & Jim Germanakos

FLUSHING -- The New York Mets today announced that they will host more than 10,000 students from local elementary and middle schools for Fitness & Nutrition Education Day at Shea Stadium tomorrow, Thursday, June 12 at 11:00 a.m. before the Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks at 1:10 p.m. Fitness & Nutrition Education Day at Shea will feature elements of the New York City Department of Health's children's guide to healthy living with engaging programming featuring the Germanakos brothers (Bill and Jim, stars of NBC's "The Biggest Loser"), Mr. Met and Mets staff, DOH educators, and a New York City firefighter. The pre-game event will highlight the importance of children understanding and making healthy food choices, and engaging in at least one hour of active play each day. Mets trainer Mike Herbst and physical therapist Jeff Cavaliere will discuss how Mets players focus on fitness and nutrition to achieve a healthier lifestyle for success on and off the field, and will lead students in a physical activity program that kids can easily duplicate at home and in the classroom.

To further reinforce the importance of a healthy lifestyle, an interactive Q&A session will follow. The Germanakos brothers, from Lynbrook, Long Island, will then highlight the benefits of being active every day, the value of a supportive environment and, most importantly, that being healthy should be fun. In addition, teachers will receive the "Eight Habits of Healthy Kids" fitness and nutrition program to incorporate into the classroom and to hand out to each student as a useful guide to integrate into their everyday lives. The New York Mets Fitness & Nutrition Education Day is the latest in a series of new Mets programs tied to community outreach. Most recently, the Mets launched TeamMets, a community volunteerism initiative that uses the appeal of the Mets and their players to encourage fans to help others in their communities. Through the participation of Mets Ownership, players, front office and staff, the team collectively - and individually - participates in community volunteerism tied to the TeamMets platform.