San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl lineman Marcus McNeill created the Mack's Miracles Foundation in 2007 to improve the lives of children by educating them on leading a healthy lifestyle and fighting obesity. The foundation is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization and plans to join forces with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club in hopes of creating a healthier tomorrow. Through the foundation Mack's Miracles hopes to implement programs that will encourage children to fight obesity, through fitness and healthy eating, prepare athletes for college and teach sportsmanship.  

McNeill’s principals and beliefs within his own foundation closely relate to the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego and their Planet Health Program.  Many of the young people the Boys & Girls Club works with are overweight and tend to adhere to sedentary lifestyles.

For example: According to the 2005-2006 California Physical Fitness Report 70% of San Diego, California youth failed the aerobic capacity test compared to 40% statewide. One neighborhood had 45 – 56% fail the flexibility test compared to 27-33% statewide.  37% of the students in one of the feeder junior high schools are overweight. 

Many of the teens who come to the clubs often prefer to sit in front of the clubs’ computers or chat with friends rather than participate in physical activities.  Potential for eating disorders is high among these teens. 

Several of San Diego’s communities have removed formal physical education classes from their curricula, so unless these youth are interested in league sports, they get lessened opportunities to learn about the importance of physical fitness and health in their everyday lives. Planet Health is an innovative year-round program designed to promote health and wellness for Boys & Girls Club members ages 6-18. It is multi-faceted and designed to help young people to become healthy, active and learn new ways to handle stress, maintain a healthy body and form positive relationships.

About the Boys & Girls Club and The Planet Health Program

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego is THE POSITIVE PLACE FOR KIDS. The Club provides young people with a fun, safe and constructive after school environment. Clubs are open to all youth ages 6 – 18 and have a special focus on children from challenging or disadvantaged circumstances. Through a system of informal guidance, Club staff form strong bonds with young people and help them make smart choices in life. For many Club members, Club staff is the most influential positive role models in their lives. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego has 17 locations throughout San Diego County and services over 20,000 youth annually.

The Planet Health program started in 2002 has received national attention and recognition as a “model program” from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The mission of the Planet Health program is to improve the quality of life for children through practical, hands-on activities which will improve club members’ knowledge of healthy habits, good nutrition and physical fitness; increase their ability to make healthy lifestyle choices; and strengthen their ability to interact positively with others and engage in healthy relationships.

For more information on Mack's Miracles please email info@macksmiracles.com.