It just is not the same watching a professional athlete perform on television compared to getting a hands-on, up-close-and-personal glimpse.

Youth athletes of all ages were able to do the latter Friday when Chicago Bears safety Danieal Manning made a special appearance at Velocity Sports Performance in Willowbrook. Manning helped kick off Velocity Sports’ Friday Night Lights Football Speed and Agility program.

The event included training demonstrations and feedback from athletes, coaches, and of course Manning — who participated in some of the training circuits. Manning also autographed items and was available for questions and answers from the participating athletes.

The speed and agility program begins Friday, March 20 and runs through May 1. It is open to athletes ages 8 through high school.

For information, call Velocity Willowbrook (630) 920-1120. 

Q What are you’re feelings when doing an event like this?
A It’s always special. It reminds me when I was younger, coming in and working out and training. When I was back home I played for the pee-wee team, and we didn’t have something like Velocity, but we had the YMCA and it was big. Families came around and supported the kids and it was big.

Q What kind of message to do try to relay to the kids?
A It’s just basically giving back. Frankly, I get more from this then I think the kids do. I have two boys myself and hopefully I can get them involved. I’m always able to see kids with smiles on their faces, just having a good time with not a care in the world. The way the world’s going now that’s always special.

Q How is a place like Velocity beneficial to young athletes?
A From more of a technical standpoint sports have changed. Kids now a days are getting a better advantage then kids when I was growing up. The equipment that they have, the coaches, the technology — things have changed. And every year it’s improving. I’m excited to see what kids are going to be like 10-20 years from now.

Q What do you look forward to most when doing an event like this?
A Just the smiles. And the kids, sometimes they get to touch hands on with celebrities and football players. And they don’t understand that sometimes we want to come out and touch the kids. It’s always a fair tradeoff.