During the All-Star week, the NBA Fit Challenge 2015,celebrated the game of basketball, while teaching the values of the game through fitness-related basketball activities to students grades 3-8, within NYC. The NBA Fit Challenge 2015, is an event programmed by NBA Cares, which ensures that the leagues bring the message of basketball, fitness, nutrition, a healthy well-being, and youth development. The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria, (TYWLS) was one of the 100 middle schools throughout the five boroughs of NYC, that were privileged to take part in the NBA All-Star Challenge, thanks to physical education teacher James Franco. On Friday February 13, 2015, TYWLS had the pleasure of receiving WNBA star, Skylar Diggins for the NBA All-Star Fit Celebration. WNBA star Skylar Kierra Diggins, was born on August 2, 1990 in South Bend, Indiana to Tige Diggins and Renee Scott. She’s an American professional basketball player for the Tulsa Shock of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Diggins attended Washington High School in Indiana. As a four-year starter, she led her team to a record of 102-7 while winning the 2007 state championship. Diggins formed part of the USA Women’s Under-18 National Team and played at the 2008 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship in Buenos Aires. The United States went undefeated, winning the gold medal, where she was ranked among the top ten. Diggins was named Indiana's Miss Basketball in 2009. In March 30, 2009, she was featured on Sports Illustrated in the segment Faces in the Crowd. In 2011 She represented USA at the World University Games in Shenzhen, China. The team won, earning a gold medal. She was the third leading scorer. In 2013, Diggins was drafted 3rd overall by the Tulsa Shock WNBA draft. She was an All-American each of her four years at Notre Dame where she set school records for career points (2,357 points),steals, and double-figure scoring games, and led the Panthers to state championship games. In 2014 Diggins became an All Star by scoring 27 points. She ranked second in the league and won the WNBA Most Improved Player Award. (Information from:(http://www.und.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/diggins_skylar00.html) TYWLS girls were filled with energy and excitement as they all enter their gym for the amazing event they were about to experience. They were each handed a blue NBA Fit shirt at the front door and wore it throughout the whole time. As soon as they lined up, they were all ready to follow the NBA FIT instructor/coach for her directions. First they started off by dynamic warm up; Buttkicks, High knees, side to side swings, carioca and side squats. Then they got into groups and participated in each of the five stations that were set up at the gym : (Ladder, Jump Shots , Dribbling , Shooting and Defense). “I really enjoyed being part of this event”, said one of the 8th graders I interviewed, “ I think it’s entertaining and it’s a good way to be fit, and also I think it’s really fun and it helped me to improve my skills, because people around me tell me exactly how to shot the ball and showed me how to make my techniques better. It’s pretty much amazing!” Although, Skylar Diggins arrived late, she was so kind that she visited the 8th graders, (who didn’t get the chance to met her at the gym) during their lunch time and got the chance to talk with them. Diggins after that met the 6th graders while they were doing the same activities the 8th graders got to do and joined them, showing them all different tricks and techniques. “I think it’s amazing to be part of this event, it’s always fun to be active in a community and to met up with kids and send a message about being fit, being healthy and to play together.” Explained Diggins her opinion about the NBA FIT CHALLENGE EVENT, “What led you to try basketball” I asked her. “My mom wanted me to be active, she wanted me to just play something. I tried all different sports, and I just loved to play outside and loved to play with my friends, so basketball was a sport that I tried and I really liked it so I was stuck with it.” “What advice would you give to the girls that are interested in joining basketball next year?” “ Just work hard” Skylar answered, “Just continue to work hard during the summer, if they know anyone that is already on the team maybe try to get with them and practice together, just stay in the gym and work on your game that’s what makes you better, and always be healthy and fit.” Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. This is why it’s really important to aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, especially starting at a young age makes it easier to adapt the healthy life and stick to it for a long time. All of the students enjoyed their time during the NBA FIT CHALLENGE EVENT, and recommended that they keep on this event for a longer time, they all learned the benefits of being fit and healthy while having fun and would recommend other to attend an event like this because it is beneficial for ones health. So, BE ACTIVE, BE HEALTHY, PLAY TOGETHER.