MIDDLEBURG — Most of the hard work behind a championship is done during the offseason, including a sports physical.

That’s why Clay County Parks and Recreation is partnering with Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay on Saturday, June 22, to offer free physicals for children between 4 and 18 at Hunter-Douglas Park, 4227 Longmire Road.

“Ascension St. Vincent’s really was the driving force for this,” said Paul Grybb, Parks and Recreation Supervisor. “They are the ones that provide the nurses and the medical staff that come and conduct the physicals at the end of the summer camp that we put on. We run the camp Monday through Friday, and then they open it up for the physicals on Saturday. It’s something that’s gone on for the last few years.”

Physicals will be provided between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

A parent or guardian must be with a child to get a free school or sports physical. If a child is getting a required sports physical, they must have their FHSAA form. The physical form is posted at fhsaa.com.

“A lot of high schools and junior highs have already started their summer conditioning for their fall athletics,” Grybb said. “This helps those who might have a problem getting into a place with them having to pay for it.”

Grybb said the physicals were made possible by Ascension St. Vincent’s Community Outreach-Faith Community Nursing Manager Willie Roberts.

“The most important thing is to recognize Willie Roberts,” Grybb said. “That’s really the driving force behind making this happen. At the parks department, we provide the facilities and can help provide staffing and support. But this came about because of her outreach.”

For questions, email parksandrecreation@claycountygov.com, or call (904) 284-6378.