SALT LAKE CITY — Sean Sloan, now in seventh grade at Our Lady of Lourdes School, decided on the last day of Subway’s Fresh Fit contest to enter because by entering he would win a free Subway sandwich. Little did he know just how many Subway sandwiches he would win. Sloan was surprised and excited to find out June 6, that he had won $700 in Subway dinners for himself and his family, and $1,000 for Our Lady of Lourdes School in Salt Lake City. Sloan was one of two grand prize winners. "I was very proud of Sean and it could not have happened to a nicer young man," said Armando Venegas, principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School. "Our playground is in dilapidated shape and this will help a great deal in making improvements." In addition, Sloan was able to meet former Utah Jazz player Derek Fisher, and spend some time with him learning a few basketball tips. He also toured the Jazz locker room and practice facility. Fisher gave Sloan a signed jersey and one of his very large shoes. "I also learned about Fisher as a person," said Sloan. "Fisher was the Jazz player whose daughter has a rare form of eye cancer. In fact, he had to leave early that day to take care of his daughter. Fisher said there are more important priorities in life than basketball. He puts God and his family first. Fisher is a really grateful person who works hard. He does not act like a superstar, he is more down to earth." There were 700 students from Utah who entered the Subway Fresh Fit Video and Poster Competition. Students were asked to submit entries showing what they do to stay healthy and fit. Sloan, 12, won in the 12 to 17 age group, and Corvin Bourland, 6, was the winner for the 11 and under age group. Robert Sherwood, chairman of Subway of Utah, held the contest because he says childhood obesity is a serious epidemic that can effect all families. He hopes the program will help children think beyond television, computers, and video games as forms of entertainment. He wants children to recognize exercise can be fun. "Sherwood said he weighed 180 pounds in the fourth grade, and four years ago he weighed about 300 pounds," said Sloan. "He held the contest because he did not feel comfortable as a kid, and he wants to make kids more aware of staying fit. Sherwood is trying to reach kids at an earlier age so they remain healthy throughout their lives." Sloan’s one-minute video is quite informative. In the video Sloan says, "According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 15 percent of youth are overweight. He lists five tips for eating healthy and staying active. "Eat colorful," said Sloan. "If you eat more colors, you are more likely to get all the vitamins you need. "Be careful of what you drink," is tip number two. While fruit juices contain essential nutrients, they also contain sugar and it is easy to drink too much. "Eat a good breakfast," said Sloan. "Breakfast makes better students." Sloan’s fourth tip is for children to put down the television controller and go out and play. His fifth tip warns against supersizing. "The next time someone asks you if you want to supersize, just say ‘No,’" says Sloan. "Huge portions of food can make you eat more than you should. Be smart by eating smart." To make the video, Sloan looked up some tips on the internet, and narrowed them down to the ones he felt were the most important. His family is active, so he knows the importance of good exercise. He plays lacrosse and basketball. His father, Chris Sloan, Judge Memorial Catholic High School English and Media teacher, shot the video, and then Sean made the final edit. To view Sloan’s one-minute fitness video, go to www.youtube.com, and search Sean Sloan.
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