Hundreds of people laced up their high tops, put on their headbands and brought their A game this past weekend at the 24th annual Jack in the Box “Hoops at the Beach” 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Crown Point Shores along Mission Bay. This event was a fundraiser for the non-profit Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl, happening later this year. There were 12 divisions for boys and men, six divisions for girls and women and a co-ed division. The weekend festivities also included the San Diego County Kia Retailers Slam Dunk Contest, Aruba Networks 3 Point Shoot out, Bird Rock Systems Free Throw Contest and the Elite Division San Diego County Championships.

Family supporters and spectators flooded courtside to cheer on players. The courts were definitely full of action packed moves as potential Kobe Byrants and Derrick Roses strutted their stuff. For first time attendees and Navy service members Maurice Tutwiller and Russell l Crawford, they mentioned that they were out here to have fun and do something different from their regular work out routines. As service members, physical training is a mandatory part of constant readiness. So these gents figured, why not switch it up and make it fun?

Marty Ellis, a participant of prior years and teacher at a local high school referred to the event as a “Ballers Family Reunion.” He’s played basketball growing up and coaches it now. Although a trophy and bragging rights were at stake – he expressed he was truly there for the love of the game and having fun with the fellas.

As I spoke to a group of 15 year olds standing by for their next game, they also referenced participating for the fun. When asked if they considered it exercise – the loud sounding answer was NO! And when asked about other aspects of exercise and healthy eating, they stated that they don’t really think about it. They just like to have fun and eat whatever’s available when they’re hungry. However out of the six boys, one stood up to say, “No! I eat healthy. I’m not afraid to be the kid eating oatmeal when others are downing sugary cereals. I want to take care of my body so I look at what I eat and don’t fall into the peer pressure of eating junk.” What a bold statement from this kid. He definitely gets a Hip & Healthy high five!!!!! But notice he was only 1 out of 6 young males. So as you can see, although we’re well on our way to promoting fitness we MUST get better at educating our people to all important ingredients to the healthy living recipe and making those choices easily accessible.

Now don’t get it twisted – I do eat the occasional burger and fries too, which by the way were readily available from the Jack in the Box Munchie Mobile on location. But as Crawford mentioned earlier, “It’s all about moderation.” We’ve got to think about what we put into our bodies.” When asked about the mobile’s menu, I was informed that it was set and predetermined. (Record scratch!) Can a girl at least get a salad or some apple wedges?!?! I was feeling some type of way that the mobile didn’t carry the other healthy choices available in their restaurants. Healthy food choices are so simple, but often overlooked. So best believe Mr. Jack will be getting a Nurse’s note from me – If you build it they will come… or in this case eat it!