Where Percy Lives Matters
activities gradually increased. He was encouraged by the staff and his fellow participants in a supportive and bully-free environment. This allowed Percy to feel comfortable engaging in activities that were new and challenging for him. Now, Percy not only participates in, but fully enjoys the fitness component of our program and his new attitude towards physical activity is showing through our fitness evaluation. He continues to show improvement in all three fitness areas we monitor and assess— push-ups, sit and reach, and shuttle run. Percy has gained self-confidence, is doing better in school, and just finished his first season of football with the New Orleans youth football league. Way to go, Percy!
Eight year-old Percy and his family live at the Walnut Square Apartments in New Orleans. He participates in Operation Pathways’ afterschool and summer programs under the direction of RSC Tiffany. When he first joined, Percy’s least favorite part was the daily physical fitness activities. He was visibly overweight and often teased by his classmates at school. In addition to the health concerns associated with childhood obesity, Percy also suffered from the emotional stress brought on by bullying and harassment. Percy’s lack of self-confidence was having a negative effect on his academic performance.
Over the last year, Percy’s willingness to participate in Operation Pathways fitness
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OPERAT I ON PATHWAYS F I SCAL YEAR 20 1 6 ANNUAL REPORT
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