Aliquippa, Pitt great Darrelle Revis promotes healthy choices for children

Darrelle Revis doesn’t have to draw on the experience of others for helping lead the fight for kids to be active.

The Aliquippa native has to nudge his 10-year-old son to stop playing video games and go outside. That’s why Revis, 34, hosted the second Hunger & Health Fun Fest on Saturday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

“It’s something for kids to put down the video games, get outside and be active,” said Revis, who played at Pitt and won a Super Bowl with the Patriots. “I remember growing up and me going to the basketball court every day and play with any ball or anything I could get my hands on sports-wise. I try to be active as much as I can.”

Michelle Campbell, who works with Revis’ foundation, said 400 kids were expected at the event. The goal of the camp is to provide families with tools to help kids live a healthy lifestyle.

Children in grades one through eight participated in expert-led workshops including boxing, 7-on-7 flag football, fitness workshops, meal prep and youth empowerment and motivation by leadership coach Nick Jackson.

“It’s definitely a lot of fun,” Revis said. “You have to have a lot of energy to keep up with them. For the most part, my foundation wants to educate the kids as much as possible. We deal with a lot of childhood obesity in America.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of children and adolescents effective by obesity has tripled since the 1970s. Data taken from 2015 and ‘16 show one in five people from ages 6 to 19 in the United States is obese.

Revis said they took about a year to plan the event and made some changes from last year.

“The first year was a little nerve-wracking, the preparation of setting up the whole event” Revis said. “We wanted to make sure everything was accessible for the kids. Going around to the sessions and learn nutrition and about a healthy lifestyle.”

Revis wrapped up his 11-year NFL career in 2018, retiring following a five-game stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent most of his career with the New York Jets and finished his career with 29 interceptions.

Helping families tackle childhood obesity is his new passion.

“I think it’s my personal experience growing up and some of the challenges I had to face,” said Revis about why he wanted his foundation to host this event.