Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman took time out of his 26th birthday Tuesday to promote a new healthy, active-living partnership between Coca-Cola and five Washington-area professional sports teams called “Live Positively: Get the Ball Rolling.”
“It’s fun,” said the Silver Slugger award winner. “Obviously, this is a very powerful city and this is an issue that needs to be attacked.”
The pilot program, which is scheduled to roll out in cities across the country, will work to fight childhood obesity.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., along with Washington-area sports team owners Ted Leonsis (Washington Capitals, Mystics and Wizards), Mark Lerner (Nationals), Dan Snyder (Redskins) and Redskins tight end Chris Cooley, are just some of the power players who came out to Capitol Hill to support the initiative.
“I wouldn’t expect to be sitting next to Chris Cooley in the Capitol, but maybe another place for my birthday,” Zimmerman said. “To have those guys take time out of their busy day to come out an address it, it sends a powerful message.”
So how did he plan to celebrate his birthday?
“I’m not sure,” he said. “I’ll probably just be at home.”
Surprised by his answer, we asked if any party was planned.
“No party planned,” he said, unconvincingly. “I’ll have some of my buddies in town so we’ll probably do something low-key.” Right. …
