GREENFIELD — The coronavirus has put a wrench in the plans but has not come close to dampening the enthusiasm of Junior Aumavae and the work he and his team do as part of the Elite Athletic Trend (EAT) program.
Today was scheduled to be the day of the second Big Apple Gala, an event at Adaggios Banquet Hall and Conference Center in Greenfield. It was expected to hold nearly 200 supporters of Aumavae’s program that provides scholarships and mentor’s local youth on physical fitness, nutrition, leadership and anti-bullying.
The event gives guests a slice of New York City, where Aumavae spent time playing for the NFL’s New York Jets. It’s also held to celebrate and recognize supporters that see children as the “apple of their eye,” Aumavae said.
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“It brings everyone together and celebrates community leaders that have helped the EAT organization that impacts kids in our community,” Aumavae said.
Due to the latest health department restrictions on holding large events, the Big Apple Gala will now be done virtually.
At 11 a.m. this morning, Aumavae will recognize winners of The Donald E. Pope Charitable Trust Scholarship Award — an award given to a local high school student — and the “Big Apple” Award, along with recognizing the program’s students that are finishing their internships with EAT.
Haylee Chambers, Lauren Palmer (an IUPUI Track and Field athlete), Valentine Pursey (an IUPUI Soccer player) are the interns that will be acknowledged.
Aumavae said they held out as long as they could in holding the event in person, even changing the event to the Big Apple Masquerade.
“We just couldn’t risk (the health of others),” Aumavae added.
The scholarship that will be given out today is named after the founder of Greenfield’s Pope Steel, now Custom Metal Industries.
Spearheaded by Pope’s daughter, Donna Pope, the Pope Charitable Trust has helped fund EAT programs during pandemic-ridden 2020.
They helped fund programs for all Greenfield elementary schools prior to the pandemic, so students learned how to be fit, eat right and how to be great classmates and teammates prior to being sent home due to the pandemic.
In a normal year, EAT would be a regular at local schools, sharing to students in grades K-12 their Kids Fit program of fitness, nutrition and anti-bullying.
Due to the pandemic, Aumavae and his team have innovated some programs that have incorporated social distancing but still relay their message.
Once barber shops re-opened after the March-April lockdown, EAT sponsored haircuts for local kids, with the stipulation they had to read to the barber.
“We wanted to provide a service for kids, but they are still learning at the same time while getting service as part of a reading literacy program,” Aumavae said.
Youngster would bring their favorite book and, while wearing a mask, would read to the barber.
Recently, EAT sponsored, with socially-distancing in mind, the “One-Mile Smile” where kids could walk a mile on a trail. Along the way, for free, they could pick up footballs, Frisbees, soccer balls and volleyballs to take and be active at home.
“Kids were smiling the whole time,” Aumavae said.
EAT has still been able to provide services, but Aumavae looks forward to that time when the pandemic is over and they can get back to normal business.
“We want to get our programs back in the schools,” he said.
Today’s event will be held on the EAT Facebook Live page.
Aumavae said those interested in donating to his programs that shape and mold local youths can by visiting the website at eliteathletictrend.com.
“We want to make sure our communities are resilient, bright and strong,” Aumavae said.
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December 05, 2020 at 01:09PM
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EAT program goes on through pandemic - Greenfield Daily Reporter
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