Jaws Youth Playbook (JYP) is the foundation of Former Eagles QB and NFL Analyst Ron Jaworski. JYP works to improve the overall health and wellness of at-risk youth, primarily in the Greater Philadelphia region.
JYP raises funds through several fundraising events throughout the year and awards funds to programs that are positively impacting youth health and wellness programs. In close partnership with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, JYP grants are issued to programs and projects that will have a strong impact on health and wellness.
JYP focuses on three Pillars of: Environment (access to play and physical play spaces), Nutrition, and Advocacy. Some examples of programming JYP supports under each pillar:
- Environment: Programming such as building a fitness room at a Boys and Girls Club, constructing a playground in an under-privileged community, refurbishing ballfields in inner-city communities, etc.
- Nutrition: Supporting Farmers Markets in under-served neighborhoods that don’t otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, supporting healthy foods in school programs, etc.
- Advocacy: Getting involved in PE in Schools, Ron testified in front of Congress in 2010 on the issue of Childhood Obesity, and other legislative, regulatory actions that impact childhood obesity.
The facts surrounding childhood obesity are startling. Nearly one in three children and teens in the U.S. are obese or overweight. That is more than 23 million youth. In the last two decades, the rate of overweight children has doubled.
We know that youth who are overweight or obese are more likely to have health risk factors associated to cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type II diabetes. In contrast, the benefits to good health translate to the classroom where studies show that fit students are less likely to have disciplinary problems and perform better on standardized tests.
JYP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mimi Box, JBJ Soul Foundation
Ron Jaworski, Soul, CEO RJG Management
Liz Jaworski, President Ron Jaworski Management
Jessica Myers, Bradleigh Thomas Consulting
Joleen Jaworski, Business Clubs America
William Jaworski, Vice President Ron Jaworski Management
John Langel, Ballard Spahr LLP
Diane Mazzei, JYP Supporter & Retiree
Sal Paolantonio, ESPN