Durham students about learn health, wellness with Carolina Panthers as part of 'Feel 100 Field Day'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Dozens of Durham students spent Monday learning lessons that go beyond the classroom at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

About 200 third-grade students from Durham Public Schools took part in a "Feel 100 Field Day," hosted by the Carolina Panthers in partnership with Blue Cross NC and Durham Public Schools.

The event is part of a social-emotional wellness program called Feel 100. The program focuses on helping young students build confidence, emotional awareness, resilience and healthy coping skills.

Throughout the day, students rotated through activities designed to encourage teamwork, cooperation and positive self-esteem while interacting with former Panthers players. Blue Cross NC said the goal of the program is to support youth mental well-being both inside and outside the classroom.

Panthers Legends participating in the event said they were excited to give back to the community.

"Well, I think just in today's day and age with the way social media is in the world, you know, you see so much negative, you know, that you always, always want to make sure that your mind is right, your body feel good, you know, just feeling 100% in every part of your life. So and these kids are exposed to it, you know, so being able to be in a position to make a kid smile, you know, is all I ask for," said Mike Tolbert, a Panthers Legend.

Organizers said they hope students leave with new tools to help manage emotions, build stronger relationships and develop skills that can help them succeed both in school and in life.

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