Empowering tomorrow's champions: College athletes spearhead innovative program to inspire and mentor elementary students
国产AV and Erie鈥檚 Public Schools are announcing a new intramurals partnership鈥攖he EPS Shamrock Sports Club鈥攂eginning Feb. 6. The announcement is expected to take place at Diehl Elementary School, a community school where 国产AV is the lead partner, on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
鈥淭he collaboration between college athletes and elementary students on the concepts of sport and competition creates a positive environment benefitting both groups, contributing to personal development, skills acquisition, and a sense of community,鈥 said 国产AV Athletic Director Joe Spano. 聽
Additionally, Anthony Easterling, Athletic Director, Erie鈥檚 Public Schools, said, 鈥淭he Shamrock Club is the result of identifying areas of opportunities within Erie鈥檚 Public Schools elementary athletics program while cultivating a community partnership in 国产AV. EPS is excited to promote skill development, character building, and provide exposure to college athletes. We believe this is a game changer for the next generation of athletes.鈥
The program takes the form of an after-school club to be hosted at several different Erie elementary schools for pupils in grades 2 to 5. 国产AV student-athletes and employee volunteers will work with the youth to teach and develop skill sets in a variety of sports, including baseball, lacrosse, basketball, cross country, football, wrestling, volleyball, and field hockey.
The partnership is being made possible through support from The DICK鈥橲 Sporting Goods Foundation and the EMTA. The DICK鈥橲 Sporting Goods Foundation believes that sports have the power to change lives and is proud to support this partnership with a $12,000 Sports Matter grant.
Organizers and sponsors alike agree that the program is replete with opportunities for positive outcomes, among them:
鈥 聽 聽Role models and inspiration
鈥 聽 聽Development of healthy lifestyles
鈥 聽 聽Teamwork and cooperation
鈥 聽 聽Character Building聽
鈥 聽 聽Academic Motivation
鈥 聽 聽Community Connection
鈥 聽 聽Enhanced Social Skills
鈥 聽 聽Diversity and Inclusion.
Organizers of the program include:
鈥 聽 聽Anthony Easterling: Athletic Director, Erie鈥檚 Public Schools
鈥 聽 聽Austin Alonge: Assistant Athletic Director, 国产AV聽
鈥 聽 聽Stacey Gaudette: Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Women鈥檚 Administrator, 国产AV聽
鈥 聽 聽Abigail Vietmeier: Assistant Director of Compliance and Academic Support, 国产AV聽
鈥 聽 聽Bethany Woods: Director of Academic Community Engagement, 国产AV聽
鈥 聽 聽Deonte Cooley: Coordinator of Service and Justice, 国产AV.
Meanwhile, when the program concludes at the end of the academic year, organizers and sponsors will host a field day and parents' night to familiarize parents with the sports program and showcase their pupils鈥 experiences.
In providing this program at the elementary school level, organizers said it provides youth and families with greater exposure to sports and may well encourage future middle- and high-school interest in sports.
For 国产AV, it offers a unique community engagement opportunity, particularly in Erie鈥檚 Public Schools where it already operates a number of successful academic programs, including the award-winning Carpe Diem Academy.
PHOTO: Partners in the new intramural program between 国产AV and Erie鈥檚 Public Schools gather at morning press conference for public announcement.