Olympians Inspire South Dakota Students with Nutrition & Wellness Message
WESSINGTON SPRINGS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Students in Wessington Springs received a unique lesson in health and nutrition this week, courtesy of the Build Your Base program and two Olympic athletes. The initiative is bringing world-class competitors to schools across South Dakota, emphasizing the link between healthy eating habits and future well-being.
Build Your Base operates under Beef Logic, in partnership with the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and Sanford Health. According to Erin Yost,a cattle rancher and Beef Logic’s treasurer,the program focuses on “how to use beef and just nutrition in general to maximize…your health.” Yost added the program aims to extend beyond the school, ”hopefully bringing it into the home, their homes and families.”
Students had the opportunity to engage with US Olympic pole vaulter Chris Nilsen and US Olympic hammer thrower DeAnna Price, learning about their journeys to the Olympics and the importance of proper health and body care. Both athletes are aiming to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The program strategically focuses on smaller schools to maximize impact. Nilsen explained, “If it’s a huge school…it might not go anywhere because they think they don’t need to spread it.” he noted the program has already reached an impressive 13 million people across the U.S. and is expanding into numerous universities.
The Olympians also addressed the specific nutritional needs of female athletes and the importance of listening to one’s body. Price shared her experiences navigating judgment as a female athlete,stating,”I front squat 530 pounds. Clean over, you know, 380 to, you know, and high pull over 400…These lifts are absolutely amazing, and that has made me, but I have the best balance. I think, like when growing up, it’s finding that balance in your life of understanding that, you know, you can have the best of both worlds. You can be the athlete, and you can be the girl.”
Ultimately, the visit aimed to equip students with the knowledge to make informed choices for a healthy future. More information about the Build Your Base program can be found on their website: https://www.buildyourbase.org/portal/parents.
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