The Sochi Games are a distant memory, but did you know that Wilmington has its very own Olympian in Anthuan Maybank? A gold medalist in the 1996 Summer Games, the former track star is committed to helping young athletes achieve their dreams and encouraging all children and teens to feel like Olympians regardless of their athletic ability.
This summer the city of Wilmington’s Department of Parks and Recreation will launch its BODY program (Building Outgoing Dynamic Youth) to bring kids and parents together to engage in fitness for their health, the love of sports and for their long-term achievement goals. (more)
Maybank’s program is free and designed to help both young athletes and kids who just want to be more active.
“When we work with children who may not be athletic,” says Maybank, “we find their confidence levels increase because they get to see a constant improvement in their skills while they also learn how to be part of a team.”
The program consists of:
- Seminars—Topics include athletic ability and college admission, importance of planning and being resourceful when it comes to health and achievement.
- Summer Sessions—Developmentally appropriate group fitness programs designed for kids from a variety of athletic backgrounds
- Weight-loss counseling—Customized programs for program participants
- Nutrition education—Personalized plans and talking points for kids and parents
- Strengthening and Toning—Proper guidance on how to stay in shape and safely be active
The city of Wilmington is taking a great step by offering a program such as BODY. It’s no cost, community-based and customized. Better yet, what could be more empowering for a child than to hear “you can do it,” from an Olympian?
Health Events
Thursday, March 20
Christiana Care’s Dance Your Heart Out: Health Screenings and Cardio Dance Demonstrations
Location Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 S. Justison St., Wilmington
Time Screenings 4:30 p.m., dance demonstrations 6 p.m.
More info. (800) 693-2273
Sunday, March 23
51st annual Citizens Bank
Caesar Rodney Half Marathon & 5K 


Location Rodney Square, 10th and Market streets, Wilmington
Time 5K start: 8:15 a.m.,
half marathon start: 9:30 a.m.
More info. sdenardo@lunginfo.org
Tuesday, April 1
Dump the Junk: Take Control of Your Weight, Nutrition and Health
Location Marion E. Proffitt Training Center, classrooms 144 and 145, 118 S. 6 St., Odessa
Time 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
More info. (800) 556-6106
