Wonderlab seeks to encourage health

Fans of the IU women's basketball team were able to get up close and personal Saturday afternoon when the team visited WonderLab, a hands-on science museum for all ages, in order to promote healthy lifestyle choices. \nThe day's activities, titled "Science of Sport," were comprised of three different stations run by different team members where participants tested their shooting, jumping and reaction time abilities.\nSaturday marked the second "Science of Sport" which began in the fall when the IU women's volleyball team came to WonderLab to promote the same theme. \n"We are so happy to have such a great relationship with IU athletics," said Louise Schlesinger, marketing director for WonderLab. "Kids of all ages view these women as celebrities. When (the team members) come to WonderLab to promote such an important issue it leaves a lasting impression on everyone."\nEmily Carnes, a 10-year-old fifth grader at Springs Valley Elementary School could hardly stand still as she met some of the IU players. \n"I was so nervous to meet the players," Carnes said. "I play basketball, so meeting them was a dream come true."\nSenior LeeAnn Stephenson, who plays guard, worked the pop-a-shot station, where two participants were able to work on their shooting abilities. Thirty seconds was placed on the clock and the participants tried to make as many shots as possible.\n"It's exciting to see the glare in these kids' eyes," said Stephenson. "To know that they want to get involved and work hard because of us is inspiring."\nThe booth that had participants testing reaction time had children and grownups alike grasping for a sheet of paper dropped between the thumb and the index finger. \nSophomore April Williams, guard/forward, worked the booth and said she enjoyed the experience.\n"Working with kids is great," Williams said. "I think it is amazing to know that our team can have such an impact on these kids."\nThe vertical leap challenge tested jumping abilities. Participants first made a flat foot jump and were then able to have a running start. They then compared their results. \nWomen's assistant basketball coach Paul Nixon said he was extremely pleased with the outcome of the days' activities. \n"Our girls like to interact with children, as well as the community. I think it is motivating for the players to see that kids look up to them, just as they once looked up to players," he said. \nParticipants were not only able to meet the players of the team, but they were also able to enter a raffle to win a basketball autographed by the women's basketball head Coach Kathi Bennett. Tickets to Sunday's game were given out for free, as were team posters.\nWonderLab's Science of Sport theme did not stop Saturday. They had a booth set up at the National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Assembly Hall Sunday afternoon. \n"Promoting a healthy brain is important to WonderLab," said Schlosinger. "It is just as important to promote healthy lifestyle choices."\n-- Contact staff writer Monica Dix at mcdix@indiana.edu.