Community-Based Program Uses Tennis and Fitness to
Combat Diabetes
Philadelphia, PA, October 18, 2007 – An innovative new pilot program is underway focusing on increasing students’ understanding of diabetes and the importance
of physical activity in promoting health. Twenty eleventh graders from New Media Technology Charter School will learn about
diabetes through active learning projects and conduct research to understand how diabetes impacts students, families and communities.
The pilot program is a partnership of New Media Technology Charter School, Black Women in Sport Foundation, Philadelphia Tennis
Club, Temple University, The Black Tennis Foundation of Philadelphia, Inc., Sisters in Shape, Inc., and Einstein Center for
Urban Health Policy and Research.
Complementing the focus on diabetes will be student participation in two structured physical activity programs that will expose
them to tennis and fitness. The tennis program will take place at the historically African American Philadelphia Tennis Club
-- founded in the 1950s by a group of “Negro Tennis League” players and tennis supporters. The fitness program will be directed
by Melanie Marchand, CEO and President of Sisters in Shape, Inc. In addition to actual exercise and fitness training, boys
and girls will participate in presentations on nutrition and well-being. Healthy snacks and lunches will be provided as part
of the program, and will serve as an opportunity to teach students how to prepare healthy meals.
“Tina Sloan Green, President of Black Women in Sport Foundation, and I developed the idea for this program as a wonderful
opportunity to partner around health and fitness. This program addresses diabetes, nutrition, and fitness as well as introduces
students to the rich history of African American tennis in Philadelphia,” says Etienne Phipps, PhD, Director of Einstein’s Center for Urban Health Policy and Research.
The eleventh graders will participate in the program through January and will be provided equipment and supplies donated by
sponsors. Students will complete family histories, interview people with diabetes and collect data on how diabetes impacts
their community. Learning how to conduct online research pertaining to diabetes awareness and prevention, self-screening,
and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, is also part of the program. In addition, students will create commercials and print
ads for their school and local community to promote diabetes education and prevention.
“Community groups working together for the benefit of our young people is an added plus for their growth and development,”
says Bernard A. Chavis, President and CEO of the Black Tennis Foundation of Philadelphia, Inc.
New Media Technology Charter School will be responsible for overall program coordination. Black Women in Sport Foundation
will oversee the tennis program. Sisters in Shape will be responsible for the fitness program. Temple University will provide
student mentors for health education and community and parent information. The Black Tennis Foundation of Philadelphia, Inc.,
will provide administrative and educational resources for the tennis program. Einstein Center for Urban Health Policy and
Research of Albert Einstein Healthcare Network will assist in the overall data management and analysis, including program
evaluation, and will work with Einstein’s Gutman Diabetes Institute to provide diabetes education materials for students.
Additional contributors include: Althea Gibson Community Education and Tennis Center, American Diabetes Association, Middle
States Tennis Association, Steps to a Healthier Philadelphia, La Salle University and The Women’s Sport Project.
For more information about the program or how to become a sponsor, please contact: Etienne Phipps, PhD, Director, Einstein
Center for Urban Health Policy & Research, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, (215) 456-1122 or email at PhippsT@einstein.edu
CONTACT: Judy Horwitz
Communications Specialist
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
215-456-6767
horwitzj@einstein.edu
Publish date: October 18, 2007
