Fit fathers in Green Valley

The ClubSport athletic center in Green Valley is quickly gaining a reputation as a hot spot for those who like to combine working out with an active social atmosphere.
Today, it is estimated that about a quarter of its members are African-American. According to Michael James, a single father who works there as a tennis instructor, “The African-American population at the club has grown over the years. The whole Green Valley community has many African-Americans who live in the area, and ClubSport is a reflection of that change from when it first opened back in 1987.”
Considered one of Nevada’s most desirable suburbs, Green Valley, located in Henderson, was one of the first planned communities in the valley. “One thing that was probably a stroke of genius by the Green Valley developers was planning (it) before the Summerlin area came to be,” said James, touching on a theory thought to explain why the area is experiencing a surge in its African-American population.
The father of two girls — now entering college on academic and tennis scholarships — James’ dedication to a healthy lifestyle was embraced at an early age. “To stay physically fit gives you longevity,” he said. “Anything that keeps you away from having to rely heavily on medications to prolong your life will always be a plus. I am a sports buff. I may run into the club and play a little basketball and go swimming. I like to cross-train and, at 52 years of age, I think I am on the right track.”
As James sees it, ClubSport offers members the best of country club lifestyle at reasonable rates. Another club member, Curtis Nether, says his workouts at the club keep him fit while allowing him to spend quality time with his son. “My son, Kendall, and I have a great time working out together, or he just meets up with his friends at ClubSport in the Kids World section and has a blast,” said the married father of two. “He is diabetic, and staying physically active and eating a proper diet has always been important in his life. We play basketball, tennis and golf together.”
Opportunities to share a healthy lifestyle with his children, said the Starbucks executive, are priceless. “My God, I get a hair that stands up on the back of my neck when I think about my children,” Nether said. “I am not sure I can even put it into words, my feelings. My children make everything I do in life worthwhile. They are the center of my universe, and I don’t get any higher level of enjoyment than spending time with them. Every father should know this.”