News

Apolo Ohno Visits La Salle Academy Philadelphia

It's Not About How You Start, But How You Finish

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

The students of La Salle Academy in Philadelphia — joined by the boys of San Miguel School in Camden — were treated to an energetic assembly Wednesday by U.S. Speedskating star Apolo Anton Ohno. The most decorated Winter Olympian in U.S. history, and star of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, delivered his message of a healthy lifestyle to the students.

The day began with photo opportunities with small groups from each school, and continued inside the hall across from LSA. Ohno enouraged kids to say "Yes!" to a healthy lifestyle and "No!" to underage drinking. He told of his rise to speedskating fame through hard work and perserverance. It wasn't easy, he admitted.

"I didn't remember standing at the podium," he recalls of his 8 Olympic medals. "I remember all the days of waking up early, eating healthy, and always trying to give 110%."

In partnership with The Century Council, Apolo brings his message of hard work and healthy living to middle school children across the country. His presentation included volunteers from La Salle Academy who enjoyed competing against a Wii game developed for Apolo's program. The students raced against the clock to the finish line, followed with a series of questions related to underage drinking. The students were excited to receive such energetic advice and stories from the highly-decorated athlete.

Apolo reminded the students, referring to his many spills on the ice, "If you get knocked down, you have to get back up."

Sister Jeanne McGowan, President of La Salle Academy, was ever grateful and accomodating to Mr. Ohno, and welcomes him back anytime.