MONTEREY COUNTY — Aspire Health and Montage Health Foundation hosted its third annual Healthy Youth Field Day on May 19 in partnership with Monterey Bay Football Club at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, bringing together 150 elementary students and their teachers for a morning of active, hands-on wellness education.
Schools and the students attending have implemented Aspire Health’s type 2 diabetes education, which promotes healthy habits as a key takeaway.
Now in its third year, the event is built around the 5-2-1-0 healthy habits model — 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity and 0 sugary drinks. Students rotated through interactive learning zones that included fun soccer drills, creative art projects, team relays and movement challenges — all designed to make healthy choices both fun and memorable.
A special highlight this year: all Monterey Bay FC players took part, joining students on the field for soccer-based activities and group engagement — a favorite part of the day that excited and inspired the kids.
“This event is about more than just teaching healthy habits — it’s about celebrating the teachers, schools and communities that make wellness part of everyday learning,” said Matt Morgan, interim CEO of Aspire Health. “We’re grateful to see so many local partners working together to support Monterey County students.”
Among the participating schools was Los Padres Elementary, where third-grade teacher Esmeralda Rivas was recently honored with Aspire Health’s 2024 Star Wellness Champion Award for her leadership in promoting student wellness and meaningful impact she’s made in her school community. Her class was one of just six classrooms selected to participate in this year’s Field Day, which included schools as far south as Greenfield.
“This year’s Healthy Youth Field Day isn’t just about celebrating healthy habits among our youth — it’s also about recognizing the teachers who help shape them every day in the classroom. Our everyday heroes,” Morgan said.
Healthy Youth Field Day was created to address Monterey County’s high rates of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, which affect more than half of local residents — well above the national average. By introducing healthy habits early, Aspire Health and Montage Health Foundation aim to reduce those numbers and support a healthier future for local families.
The event, developed and operated by Aspire Health, is made possible by grant support from Montage Health Foundation and the continued partnership of the Monterey Bay FC and Montage Health’s Kids Eat Right Program.
