http://www.childrensobesityfund.org/

In order to stimulate greater physical activity for kids, the nonprofit Children’s Obesity Fund announces its support of Above the Rim Gym and its youth basketball programs. Today’s crisis of childhood obesity demands that we find creative, long-term methods of encouraging youth-oriented fitness. Above the Rim Gym, a Tennessee-based nonprofit organization does just that by encouraging children to become involved in basketball.

“Organized sports such as basketball are fantastic for children, not only because they facilitate physical exercise and fitness, but they also encourage teamwork, organized thinking, and working towards a goal,” says Julian Omidi, cofounder of Children’s Obesity Fund. “Children’s Obesity Fund is thrilled to sponsor the Above the Rim Gym. We heartily agree with its principles and applaud the great work it has accomplished the past seven years.

Above the Rim Gym (www.abovetherimgym.com ) was founded in 2006 by basketball coach George Gibson to teach boys and girls the fundamentals of the game of basketball, while at the same time creating a supportive and nurturing environment where they can experience the importance of team work, team-building and leadership. Their unique sports programming, for kids between the ages of 7 and 17 years, foster athletic conditioning, personal responsibility, discipline, respect, and the pursuit of goals.

Above the Rim Gym was recognized by local NBC television affiliate for its excellent community work and mentoring, and recently partnered with the Memphis Grizzlies, whose team members sponsor basketball shooting clinics at local high schools.

Cofounded by Julian Omidi and Dr. Michael Omidi, the Children’s Obesity Fund (www.childrensobesityfund.org) hopes to help reverse the trend of rising obesity rates in America. The goal of the non-profit charity is to help people fully understand the obesity issue and its dire impacts on individuals and society as a whole -- and to use that knowledge to encourage children to grow up strong and healthy. Children’s Obesity Fund partners with other organizations to educate and support parents, educators and others so that we can all work together to raise healthy, active, social, and happy children. While the organization does not accept donations, it does encourage direct contributions of money and talents to the associations featured on our website. Children’s Obesity Fund is on Facebook as well as Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.