Mughelli clinic tackles eco-awareness

There was some serious trash talking that took place Friday at Garrett Tech's football field, and it had nothing to do with Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli or the other NFL players participating in Mughelli's fourth annual Free Football Clinic.

The more than 100 campers participating in the event that wraps up today are not only getting lessons in football, they're also learning life lessons about the importance of being good stewards of the environment. Interspersed with football drills were "Recycle Relays" and games of "Environmental Jeopardy." Campers received organic branded T-shirts to wear. Gift bags were filled with eco-friendly products. The use of plastics was limited and recycle bins were plentiful.

"I've always been interested in helping kids being the best version of themselves possible, through education, staying in school, self-esteem, holding their heads high and core values," said Mughelli, who played high school football at Porter-Gaud.

Getting youngsters to attend an environmental workshop would be difficult, but drawing kids to a football clinic would be a much easier task. At the camp, he's not only able to help educate the youth on how to be a better football player, but also how to be a better person.

Mughelli said his eco-awareness was sparked when he represented the Falcons at a Chattahoochee River function in Atlanta. There, he was introduced to Laura Turner Seydel, the daughter of Ted Turner and chairman of the Captain Planet

Foundation. Mughelli was aware of Captain Planet, but his interest in the cartoon character was limited to Captain Planet's entertainment value; Captain Planet's message promoting awareness of environmental problems had not connected.

"She kinda cornered me, and we spoke for about 30 to 45 minutes about how important the environment is," Mughelli said.

It was an eye-opening conversation, and he became a convert who has since been dubbed the "eco-athlete." The purpose of his Ovie Mughelli Foundation is to educate children on the environment; its motto is "Our future is green."

"I'm someone kids can look up to and provide a positive message about taking care of the planet, taking care of Earth. No matter how corny it sounds, the kids are our future," Mughelli said.

Mughelli said before meeting Seydel he didn't concentrate on recycling, on turning the water off or turning off the lights. He didn't care what kind of car he drove or where his food was grown.

"It takes someone to open your eyes," he said. "I have the ability to make the connection with so many kids. I can make a huge impact by giving a little free time.

"It's about doing things correctly at your house, eating healthy and organic. We're merging football with the environment."