This Coach Wants to Create After-School Programs for Philly Students

Andre Wright, coach and co-founder of Give and Go Athletics, is one of our 2020 Health Hero semi-finalists.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be chatting with our semi-finalists in the 2020 Be Well Philly Health Hero Challenge brought to you by Independence Blue Cross to give you a glimpse of the people who are helping Philadelphians live healthier lives. Vote to help decide which of these 10 semi-finalists become one of three finalists — and get a sizable donation to a charity of their choice — here. Remember, you can vote once a day until October 1st!

Name: Andre Wright, an educator and coach from North Philadelphia who is committed to the growth and development of young people and families. He is the co-founder of Give and Go Athletics.

Nonprofit of choice: Give and Go Athletics. This organization launched in 2009 when co-founders Andre Wright and Caleb Jones were working as behavioral health therapists at an elementary school in Sharswood. At this time, extracurricular activities for elementary and middle schools were cut from the School District of Philadelphia’s budget. Consequently, young students throughout the city were left with a shortage of programs to occupy their time after school, which led to trouble for the kids. As a result, the first Give and Go Athletics after-school program was created to meet the needs of the city’s youth — a mission that continues to this day.

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What motivates you to try and make Philadelphia a healthier place?

The lack of physical activity because of the effects of COVID-19 and lack of programming is what inspires me to provide programs that promote public and mental health.

Describe a health or fitness related turning point in your life.

After I retired from playing basketball, I met a 60-year-old man who challenged me to pushups, and beat me. After that I vowed to get in shape, and to never let myself get out of shape again.

What policy would you institute to make Greater Philadelphia a healthier region?

A policy I’d like to see in place is 60 minutes of recess in schools, when things are back to normal. I’d like to see extra-curricular activities put back in schools to promote physical activity, safety for the kids, and better mental health.

What’s the most important part of your health or wellness regimen?

The most important part of my health and wellness regimen is getting up early in the morning to meditate, work out, and eat breakfast. By the time I start my day, I’ve already given my mind and body what it needs.

What is your number one piece of health-related advice?

Get in tune with your own body. Know thyself!

Check out all the semi-finalists, and remember to vote HERE now. (Remember, you can vote once a day until October 1st!) Stay in touch with @bewellphilly and @phillymagevents and be sure to follow the challenge using #BWPHealthHero!

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