#United States #Portland #Sun Life #Maine Celtics #Fit to Win

Sun Life U.S. and Maine Celtics' Fit to Win Event

On February 3, 2025, the second annual Fit to Win event took place at the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine in Portland, organized by Sun Life U.S. and the Maine Celtics. This impactful event involved players from the Maine Celtics, specifically DJ Rodman and Don Carey, Jr., who actively participated as coaches and mentors for local youth.

The Fit to Win program, inspired by Sun Life's collaboration with the Boston Celtics, aims to educate children about fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness. Each kid received a 'fitness passport' to catalog their activities and progress through various engaging stations set up across the venue. These activities included smoothie making, journal writing, and basketball workouts, promoting a fun yet educational approach to health.

Dajuan Eubanks, president of the Maine Celtics, expressed excitement about returning to the Boys and Girls Club for a second year, emphasizing the importance of supporting community programs that benefit local youth. He acknowledged the significant contributions of Sun Life in facilitating this event and their ongoing commitment to promoting health and wellness among children.

Ed Milano, vice president of Marketing at Sun Life U.S., highlighted the transformative potential of equipping children with the necessary knowledge to lead healthier lives, thereby nurturing them into health-conscious adults. The event showcased not only the fun aspects of fitness but also the caring spirit of community engagement, creating a memorable experience for all participants.

Moreover, this initiative aligns with broader efforts by Sun Life to reinforce its partnership with the Maine Celtics, which began in 2023. As part of this partnership, in June of the same year, both organizations worked together to unveil a newly renovated basketball court at the Boys and Girls Club—further enhancing the local youth's access to sports and recreational activities.

The Fit to Win program has been a significant addition to Sun Life's community outreach initiatives, with over 2,000 children participating across New England since it started in partnership with YMCA of Greater Boston in 2015. In addition to this, they host the #SunLifeDunk4Diabetes campaign every November, raising funds to support health initiatives for at-risk adults through the YMCA’s Healthy Habits program.

Both Sun Life and the Maine Celtics strive to make lasting changes in young people's lives, fostering long-term health and wellness habits through engaging and educational programming. The success of the Fit to Win event is a testament to the powerful impact such initiatives can have on community members and the importance of collaboration between organizations dedicated to youth development.

For more information on the Fit to Win initiative and similar programs, you can visit the NBA's official community page. As the event concluded, both the organizers and participants expressed joy and anticipation for future events aimed at enriching the lives of children in Maine.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is an internationally renowned financial services organization, meticulously providing asset management, wealth, insurance, and health solutions to individual and institutional clients worldwide. With operations in markets such as Canada and various countries in Asia, Sun Life remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals.

About Maine Celtics

The Maine Celtics, formerly known as the Maine Red Claws, have served as the NBA G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics since their inception. The organization prides itself on player development and community engagement, making a significant impact in the lives of many aspiring athletes in the region.