In an effort to get the greater Niles-area healthy, Niles New Tech students and the Niles Elks Lodge are teaming up for a health fair Thursday featuring a motivational keynote speech from fromer NBA player and current sports analyst Stephen Bardo.

More than 20 exhibitors and several free health-related activities will be offered at the Because Vikings Care event, which is scheduled to take place from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at the Niles High School gymnasium.

Attendees can get their blood pressure screened, take a Zumba class or learn more about how to live a healthy life — all for free.

There will event be activities for children, including a bounce house, face painting, bicycle raffle and meet and greet with Niles mascot Victor Viking and Elks Lodge mascot Elroy Elk.

Healthy food and snacks will be provided to all who attend.

This is the second year that Niles Elks Lodge No. 1322 has sponsored the event.

Julie Clark, trustee chairman for the Elks, said the organization was able to secure a Beacon Grant for the event through the Elks National Foundation.

Such grants, she said, are designed to be used for helping people in need and addressing issues in the community, such as health.

“The Elks are proud to support students that are interested in providing a valuable service to the community,” said Clark. “These types of events are exactly what the Elks, as an organization, are about. It’s been very rewarding working with the sophomore class in the entire planning process and seeing what a great group of kids they are.”

Bardo, a color analyst for the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports, will provide the keynote address from 6 to 7 p.m.

“Students today face challenging times,” Bardo said. “Developing leadership is one of the vital pieces for their success. Students that have a better understanding of self-development, decision-making, and life mapping stand a much better chance to flourish.”

During his free keynote address, Bardo will inspire everyone in attendance to embrace personal growth and he will challenge students to make intentional choices to apply their own personal leadership skills. Tickets for the keynote speech will be available at the fair and the Niles Elks Lodge.

“This year’s health fair not only provides the community with a way to learn about everything that contributes to a person’s overall health, but also with an opportunity to explore personal goals and rethink how to accomplish them,” said Bill Prenkart, New Tech instructor. “The students are excited to offer the entire package… This is really something special that they have put together.”