Owners do more than talk a good game
By: Bob Nuse
For Randy and Bonnie Vey, co-owners of Gold’s Gym of Princeton, becoming sponsors of the Princeton Packet Athlete of the Week program was a no-brainer.
"A lot of places talk a good game about doing something for kids, but we feel like we actually do a lot," said Randy, a former football star at Virginia Tech. "This is something that is good for kids and kids should be rewarded for what they do. These are good kids that get good grades. They’re showing that you can do both.
"They have had studies that show that being part of a sports team in school leads to better grades. I believe that to be true. I think it helps kids to set their priorities."
Since taking over at Gold’s 11 years ago, the Veys have made it a point to try to get involved in the community. They’ve donated equipment to schools, sponsored teams and had programs designed for younger athletes.
"These days kids have a choice of sitting in front of a TV or a computer, or getting involved with sports and being active," Bonnie said. "I think it takes a level of responsibility to be a part of a team and make that commitment to practice and getting better."
To the Veys, getting involved isn’t necessarily a choice, but somewhat of an obligation as a part of the community.
"I think you have to give something back, no matter what town you’re in," said Randy, a former high school football coach. "No matter what business you’re in, you should do something. If every business in a town did something, there would be a lot of kids that would benefit."
As sponsors of the Athlete of the Week program, Gold’s offers each award winner the opportunity for a trial membership. Each winner also receives a plaque acknowledging their accomplishment.
"One of the great things is that it’s a co-ed award that looks at a wide variety of sports," said Bonnie, an avid skier. "Last week the winner was a volleyball player. It doesn’t matter what sport you play, everyone works hard and should have the opportunity to be recognized for their efforts. It’s great that the winners come from all different sports."
"Sometimes it seems like people are only recognized if they win a championship or if something big happens," Randy added. "But this is the type of an award that anyone can receive. I think it’s great that kids who work hard are acknowledged for what they’ve been able to achieve."
With the start of the winter season today, more athlete of the week winners will be added to the 11 that were honored in the fall. By the end of the school year, the list of winners of be somewhere around 30.
"In today’s society it’s important to be fit not only academically, but physically as well," Bonnie said. "Anything we can do to help promote that, we want to do. We want kids to get involved with athletics and stay involved. It’s an important part of life."
And through their sponsorship, the Veys have made Gold’s Gym an important part of the Athlete of the Week program.
For more information on activities or memberships at Gold’s Gym, call (732) 329-8300.