*As part of the Magic FIT program to promote healthy eating habits, the Orlando Magic will teamed up with Magic players Elfrid Payton, Tobias Harris, C.J. Watson and their moms hosted the first-ever Magic FIT Kid Chef Celebrity Showdown.
Four families from Second Harvest Food Bank competed in a cook-off with the Magic players and their moms and were judged by a celebrity panel including Lucille O’Neal (president of the NBA Mom’s Association and Shaquille O’Neal’s mother), Emily Elynn (featured on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars), Chef Charles “Bubba” Dodson (Walt Disney World executive chef), Kristin LaRue (Magic team nutritionist) and Alex Martins (Magic CEO).
The winner was chosen based on who prepared the tastiest and healthiest meal.
The winning team was Team Harris with Tobias Harris, his mom, Lisa, and Karen Smith (mom) and Josiah (age 11).
The winning family received court side seats to a future Magic home game, brand new cooking utensils and equipment, a cookbook with nutritious recipes, $2,000 grocery store shopping spree at Whole Foods, a “behind the seeds” tour at Epcot with former Magic players, an exclusive culinary demonstration and Chef table experience with Disney Executive Chef Charles “Bubba” Dodson at a Disney Resort dining location and a surprise visit with Chef Mickey.
In its second season, Magic FIT is the team’s first-ever fitness and nutrition education program for youth and adults. Following the NBA FIT guidelines, the program’s goal is to improve the knowledge of healthy food choices and fitness exercises among at-risk families within Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. NBA FIT is a comprehensive health and wellness platform promoting healthy, active lifestyles for children and adults. Health and wellness is one of the Magic’s community focus areas (the other include hunger, homelessness, literacy/education, and inclusion).
The Magic FIT program also includes an eight-week health challenge, launching last year, that works closely with physical education teachers in local schools and challenges students to engage in physical activity throughout the school year. Last year, the winning school received bragging rights and a Magic FIT Rally which included a visit from Magic players.
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