By BOB MARTIN 

Eagle Times Staff 

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — We live in a day and age where children are locked into their tablets and cell phones, and Sen. Bernie Sanders has recently been hosting events across Vermont to get kids more active and promote exercise. 

On Saturday, about 40 children ranging from elementary school to high school gathered at Riverside Middle School in Springfield for Basketball with Bernie. The senator, who has a love for shooting hoops and played half his life, was on-hand to practice some jump shots, shag some rebounds and meet with children and their families. Everyone who took part in the event walked away with a free basketball, as well. 

“What I wanted to do here is to encourage kids to get out, play ball, exercise, develop teamwork and discipline,” Sen. Sanders said. “There is a real concern among parents, teachers and doctors that kids are sitting home isolated by themselves on their phones. There are a lot of negative aspects to that. So, give the kids basketballs, and maybe it will encourage some of them to get out and shoot some hoops.” 

The children met at the Riverside Middle School gymnasium at 11 a.m. where they practiced some foul shots while they were waiting for the senator to arrive. They then took part in a free throw competition where children took 10 shots, and if there was a tie there was a shoot off to see who would take the prize. The top three in the elementary, middle and high school levels received a certificate and a photo with Sen. Sanders.  

The children, ranging 5 to 18, were all smiles as the senator made his way around the gym. He offered his tips and voiced positive reinforcement for them as they drained their shots. 

Sanders then took to the mic, where he made a major announcement: he was intending on trying out for the defending world champion Boston Celtics and his stop in Springfield was a chance to practice with some of the kids in his constituency. He joked that this warmup was vital in his journey and thanked the parents and kids for coming out. 

Sanders is 83-years-old but showed that he still has plenty of game. He was taking shots from the baseline and knocking down shots, at one point making a string of three in a row that he buried from about 12 feet out. 

Sanders said the game of basketball teaches children these vital skills that can be used in everyday life. The foul shooting contest not only brings about an element of competitiveness, but also promotes the physical aspect of exercise needed for a young individual. 

Sheena Thurston was at the event with her children who were excited to be able to meet the senator, as well as take part in a little bit of friendly competition. Her 12-year-old daughter Aubrey plays basketball, and her sons Justice, 7, and Clay, 5, were having a blast getting the opportunity to take some shots and be with peers on the basketball court on a Saturday. 

“We’re very excited to be able to come play a little and meet him (Bernie),” Thurston said. 

Sanders explained that after the Springfield event he was going to Bennington, followed by a stop in Rutland. These come on the heels of other successful Basketball with Bernie events across the state last month. The reason for his endeavor is simple. 

“We want these kids to be healthy,” Sanders said. “We want them to be smart, we want you to do well in school, but we want you to be strong physically. Basketball is a great sport that gets kids outside to get good exercise. They also learn to play with each other. You don’t win a basketball game by yourself. It requires teamwork.”