 |
 FIRST STEP TAKES ITS THIRD STEP
3-2-06
On Thursday, February 23, 2006, the Virginia Commonwealth University graduate program in sports leadership, the VCU SportsCenter, hosted 100 elementary and middle school students from various after school programs for its newly established First Step Program. Graduate students welcomed the youth to VCU’s dynamic campus with an introduction at Franklin Street Gym by the VCU dance team, cheerleaders and Rodney the Ram. Following the welcome at Franklin Street Gym, the students, comprised of different Richmond area after school programs, split up and toured the departments of Physics, Recreational Sports and Commonwealth Times.
The academic activities were followed by dinner, which was accompanied by a highlight video of the VCU men’s basketball team. All of this got them ready to attend the VCU men’s basketball game against conference rival UNC Wilmington in the Alltel Pavilion at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. The youth donned VCU t-shirts and rally towels in support of the VCU team.
Students from the VCU SportsCenter Program formed First Step to reach at risk youth in the Richmond area and give them an opportunity to engage in academic & athletic activities on VCU’s campus. Highland Park Boys and Girls Club, Colonial Heights Kids After School Program, Chesterfield Parks and Recreation, Faith Family Church, Richmond Re-Development Housing Authority and Mt. Vernon Baptist Church youth all participated in the event. Davon Smith, a fourth grader who participated in the event, said, “running in the recreation sports department was the best because he cut in front of everyone.”
The event on February 23rd was the third and largest First Step Program to take place at VCU. The two previous First Step Programs included the VCU Art Department and VCU Strength and Conditioning, as well as attending a VCU volleyball and basketball game.
By: LaTanja Jones & Kenny Washington
|
|
|
|
|
