The Jimmy Smith Foundation : Our Philosophy

The primary philosophy of the Jimmy Smith Foundation is that youth have an enormous opportunity to learn from the lessons and experiences that led Jimmy to tremendous success on and off the field. This is accomplished through sports and educational programs sponsored by the Foundation, and in partnership with community organizations, local churches, schools, and sports leagues.

The secrets to success lie not only within nutrition and exercise disciplines, but also within personal development practices. In addition to athletic skill building, the Foundation focuses on three key areas that are considered crucial in personal development for athletes and youth: Diet and Nutrition, Physical Fitness, and Life Skills.

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition are critical to sports performance. Without the proper regiment of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and hydration at the right time, you will lose your edge and consistently under-perform.

It is essential that you plan your program to correspond with your specific sport, body type, physical goals, and practice and game schedules. The right program will help you build your strength and metabolism during practice time and build your reserves for game time performance.

Physical Fitness

Physical fitness has become a national concern with children and teens. Childhood obesity is at an all time high and is continuing to grow. As lifestyles change, we need to encourage programs and activities that balance out the ever increasing lethargic lifestyle of our youth. Children and adolescents should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily including aerobic exercise, muscle-strengthening programs and bone-strengthening practices.

Life Skills

Life skills are fundamental to positive physical, social, psychological and academic development in youth. The establishment of healthy life skills at a young age along with positive reinforcement has an enormous impact on the adult life of an individual. The Foundation works closely with youth to instill such qualities as responsibility, citizenship, respect, honesty, caring, health, drug and alcohol awareness, empathy, justice, forgiveness, leadership, conservation, positive attitude, integrity, purpose, and faith.