Morgan State University Newsroom Morgan State University
On a Sunday afternoon in East Baltimore, Morgan State University student-athletes partnered with the YMCA (Y) in Central Maryland for a day of smiles, high fives and excitement, during the “Bears Sports Day” at the Weinberg Y in Waverly. The 28 student-athletes, representing a variety of Morgan men’s and women’s sports teams, including basketball, volleyball, track and field, and football, spent the fun-filled day with nearly 100 neighborhood youth in grades K-8 conducting sports clinics and sharing life experiences. There was even a special appearance from Morgan’s mascot, Benny the Bear.
The collaboration with the Y, which expands the University’s community engagement efforts and builds upon the positive work of the Morgan Community Mile initiative, was a rewarding experience for all involved. The children not only learned valuable sports techniques and training tips but also asked questions about attending college. Even their parents were given opportunities to participate in the sports activities and join the discussion. Each attendee also received a free ticket to an MSU home football game in addition to other giveaways.
Eric Somerville, executive director of Volunteerism and Community Engagement for the Y in Central Maryland, was instrumental in arranging Morgan’s involvement, as a way of benefiting the community and creating a positive experience for the youth they serve. As a continuation of the partnership between Morgan and the Y in Central Maryland, Dr. Kevin Banks, vice president of Student Affairs at Morgan, joined the Y’s Association Board of Directors. Congrats to Dr. Banks on his new appointment!
