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Siblings Dynasia McClenny, 10, and Zamiya McClenny, 10, of the Suffolk Unit of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia enjoy a cold drink during the festivities Wednesday at John F. Kennedy Middle School.

The Suffolk Unit of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Virginia held a proclamation event on Wednesday evening, with plenty of health and fitness activities for the children.

Boys and girls leapt in the bounce house and other attractions that 3 A’s Inflatables brought to the event at John F. Kennedy Middle School, where the Suffolk Unit is based. Children tried rope exercises with trainers from C-FIT Studio on North Main Street. There was also material on healthy living provided by C-FIT, Planet Fitness and other partners.

The event was one of several that have been held throughout the region in recognition of the 100^th anniversary of BGCSEVA. One of the club’s programs is “Triple Play,” which shows that eating right, keeping fit and forming positive relationships add up to a healthy lifestyle, according to bgca.org.

“We thought what better way to celebrate 100 years than to go outside, have some fun, get active, be fit, have a few snacks — but still run off the good energy and the sugar,” said BGCSEVA Operations Officer Keavy Dixson.

Club members and staff were joined by community partners and donors on Wednesday. Among the leadership were Suffolk Unit Co-Chairs Leroy Bennett – who read the proclamation signed by Mayor Linda T. Johnson that praised the organization – and Phil McPhail.

“I am proud to be a part of this organization, and I love working with you kids,” McPhail said.

Chief Development Officer Adrianna Rivera thanked the club’s many partners in the community, including the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

“We would not be able to service 2,800 kids annually if it wasn’t for you, and I just wanted to take a moment and say a special thank you, and also to the staff here,” Rivera said. “You guys are remarkable and you are really the heart of this organization, as are the club members.”

Members are gearing up for the club’s upcoming summer programming that will be from June 17 to Aug. 16.

“If you love the club, continue to come out every single day,” said Suffolk Unit Director Keith Robinson.

For more information on summer programming, visit bgcseva.org/suffolk or call Keith Robinson at 652-4017.

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