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Children gather to punt, pass and kick

| 10 Jun 2015 | 02:35
    Ten-year-old Robert McCullough shows good form in the kick contest. He finished in 2nd place overall in his age group.
    Ten-year-old Robert McCullough shows good form in the kick contest. He finished in 2nd place overall in his age group.
    The community came out in support of the Punt, Pass and Kick event.
    The community came out in support of the Punt, Pass and Kick event.
    Former NY Giants running back Lee Rouson and Blair Academy assistant basketball coach Cornell Thomas at the Punt, Pass and Kick event in Newton.
    Former NY Giants running back Lee Rouson and Blair Academy assistant basketball coach Cornell Thomas at the Punt, Pass and Kick event in Newton.
    A contestant kicks the ball in the kick contest.
    A contestant kicks the ball in the kick contest.
    Ten-year-old Michael Meilillo kicks the ball in the kick contest. Meilillo plays football for the Kittatinny Cougars.
    Ten-year-old Michael Meilillo kicks the ball in the kick contest. Meilillo plays football for the Kittatinny Cougars.
    Former N.Y. Giants running back Lee Rouson talks with youth on the field.
    Former N.Y. Giants running back Lee Rouson talks with youth on the field.
    Fourteen-year-old John Kreusch about to throw the ball in the pass contest.
    Fourteen-year-old John Kreusch about to throw the ball in the pass contest.
    Fifteen-year-old Devin Mager throws in the pass contest. He finished in 1st place overall in his age group.
    Fifteen-year-old Devin Mager throws in the pass contest. He finished in 1st place overall in his age group.
    Former NY Giants running back Lee Rouson signs autographs and speaks to young fans.
    Former NY Giants running back Lee Rouson signs autographs and speaks to young fans.
    Miss Green 2014 Michele Ann Lawrey sings the National Anthem with members of the U.S. Army in the background.
    Miss Green 2014 Michele Ann Lawrey sings the National Anthem with members of the U.S. Army in the background.
    Aikido practitioners, of Sparta Aikido, Jess Taylor and Daniella Weber during a demonstration at the event.
    Aikido practitioners, of Sparta Aikido, Jess Taylor and Daniella Weber during a demonstration at the event.

NEWTON — The Newton Braves Youth Football partnered with USA Football to host a Punt, Pass and Kick event on Saturday, June 6.

Boys and girls ages six to 15 participated on the Newton High School turf football field. Participants with the best stats will get a chance to participate in a regional Punt, Pass and Kick contest later this year.

The Sussex Stags semi-pro football team helped out at the event. Also Former New York Giants running back Lee Rouson signed autographs and spoke to the youth. Miss Green 2014 and Newton High School graduate Michele Ann Lawrey sang the National Anthem. Motivational Speaker,Author and Basketball Coach Cornell Thomas also made an appearance.

The National Football League Punt, Pass and Kick the oldest grassroots initiative at the NFL, continues to reach children ages six to 15 and allows them to experience the fun of learning football fundamentals in an engaging and supportive non-contact environment.

The Newton event's goal was to raise youth awareness about the importance of physical activity and good nutrition to one's overall health, fitness and longevity. Also promoting a theme of Healthy Body, Healthy mind and Anti-Bullying messages.

Many local businesses and organizations sponsored the event and had tables setup at the Punt, Pass and Kick event. Toyota World of Newton, Aikido Center of Sparta, the United States Army, Girl Scout Troop 4082 and NJ Muscle of Newton were among them.

Numerous volunteers including students of Newton High School and the Newton Fire Department helped make this event a success.

Over 100 children participated in the Punt, Pass and Kick event. Points were tabulated combining the numbers from all three categories for a total score.

-- GEORGE LEROY HUNTER