Rhame Avenue Elementary School students laced up their sneakers this month for a two-week burst of school spirit, wellness and community as they took part in the WizFit Challenge, followed by a high-energy Harlem Wizards fundraising game in the East Rockaway High School gymnasium.

The initiative began with a kick-off assembly at Rhame Avenue, where members of the Wizards introduced students to the WizFit Challenge – a nationally recognized fitness and character program designed for elementary students. Over the course of two weeks, students completed six upbeat video workouts led by Wizards players, reinforcing lessons on teamwork, integrity and healthy habits. Along the way, families supported the effort through an online pledge platform, helping raise funds for new recess equipment and a GaGa pit for the Rhame Avenue playground.

Students earned prizes as they logged their workouts and shared messages of encouragement with classmates. The atmosphere throughout the school was one of excitement and fun – a blend of physical activity and positive character-building that made wellness feel like a team sport.

The program culminated on Oct. 20 with the much-anticipated Harlem Wizards vs. East Rockaway All-Stars game – a PTA-sponsored fundraiser that packed the ERHS gym. Teachers and staff from East Rockaway took to the court alongside the world-famous Wizards for a night filled with trick shots, alley-oops, theatrical stunts and plenty of laughter. The crowd enjoyed both the hoops and the humor as the Wizards’ signature style blended showmanship with family-friendly fun.

The evening served not only as a celebration of the students’ hard work during WizFit, but also as a community-building event that brought families, faculty, alumni and neighbors together in support of Rhame Avenue.