May 14, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- UAB student-athletes from several teams spent their Saturday with area kids from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. The event was a joint effort by the UAB Athletics Department and the Birmingham Downtown Rotary Club.

Alabama Congressman Artur Davis along with Alabama State Representative and former UAB great Oliver Robinson were the featured speakers.

The Blazers listened to the speakers and participated in discussion groups as well as question and answer sessions. Over one hundred kids, ranging in age from 13-17 years old attended the event. Additionally, the student-athletes coached the children in their respective sports. Participating in the event, held at Bartow Arena, were members of UAB's women's basketball, men's basketball, men's soccer and football teams.

"The UAB student-athletes were excited about the opportunity to work with Big Brother Big Sister program," said UAB Assistant Athletics Director for Academic Support Services Judy Sackfield. "This is the culmination of many activities they've participated in this season. It was also a wonderful opportunity to hear the messages of two fantastic speakers, Congressman Davis and Representative Robinson."

David Proctor, of the Birmingham Downtown Rotary Club, UAB Senior Associate Athletics Director Brian Mackin and Sackfield coordinated the event.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham has been serving the children of central Alabama for over 30 years. Their operation includes Jefferson, Blount, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker Counties, providing mentors to more than 500 children through different mentoring programs.