MP Fitness Instructor Jessie Poku isn’t a “sideline” kind of coach. Instead, he likes to move back and forth across the court as he speaks, moving his arms in unison, while the team before him listens intently. One young man, tall and lanky, stands heads above the other HIPsters. As he listens to Jessie, he sways back and forth, obviously ready to get started.
This is Matt- My Possibilities’ star athlete and a shining example of the Health and Wellness Program. Jessie, his coach, helps him train and get ready to compete.
“Matt competes for MP in bowling, soccer, and basketball,” says Jenn Link, MP’s Health and Wellness Lead. “He used to play bocce ball, but it wasn’t competitive enough in nature. He likes the challenge, and some sports just don’t meet that need for him.”
Despite his athletic prowess, Matt’s journey at My Possibilities started in the kitchen, not on the court. Through My Possibilities’ Culinary Program, he learned different techniques that he could then teach to others.
“He really wants that challenge,” Jessie says, “not just in Basketball, but in everyday life.”
Eventually, he was able to transfer those skills over into the Health and Wellness program, using them to teach his peers how to stay healthy and active through his favorite sport – basketball. Matt loves to lead his fellow teammates in stretches or running drills, and hopes to inspire others like him to get fit and active.
“Matt is very task driven,” laughs Jenn, “Give him a purpose – a goal – and as long as it’s got some buy in for him, he’ll stick with it.”
For many at My Possibilities, it isn’t just Matt’s athleticism that sets him apart – it’s his drive and desire to lead others and consistently challenge himself.
“Once he’s mastered a task, he’s already looking for the next mission.” Says Jenn.
“With Matt, seeing really is believing,” agrees Jessie.
To learn more about our Athletics program, click here.
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