Photo By Sgt. Rebecca Eller | Josh Manchigiah, Ryan Boehm and Austin Warner help a child from the community flip a...... read more read more
CARSON, Calif. – Marines and all-American football players selected to play in the Semper Fidelis Bowl attended an event to mentor children in the Carson, California, community at Veteran’s Sports Complex, Carson, Dec. 31, 2015. The players and Marines taught the kids the importance of good sportsmanship, leadership and health and wellness.
Stations were set up with various activities, including tag, chase, throwing and catching the football, and a game called “Drill Instructor Says,” which is a play on the game “Simon Says” with a twist: The kids perform push-ups, jumping jacks and sit ups.
“Young elementary school kids see a high school kid who plays sports and is active in the community, it’s only going to motivate, empower and inspire them go on to great things,” said Maj. Paul Smith, Recruiting Support Officer for 6th Marine Corps District, Parris Island, South Carolina. “That’s what the Marine Corps is about, giving back a better quality citizen to our community.”
The event wasn’t just for the kids to have fun and learn something though, the players also gained a memorable experience.
“They really look up to us and want to become what we are right now,” said Denzel Okafor, offensive guard from Lewisville High School, Lewisville, Texas. “So I’m going to set a good example and just try to have a good time with them, and hopefully be a role model to them in the future.”
The Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl brings together 100 of the nation’s best football players who have demonstrated success both on and off the field. Players selected are well-rounded individuals. Not only are they distinguished athletes, but they also have academic achievements and display exemplary moral characteristics. The weeklong engagement will enable these young men to develop skills not only important to football, but throughout life, such as leadership, self-confidence and teamwork.
The 5th annual Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl will kick off in Carson, California, Jan. 3, 2016, at 6 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.01.2016 12:49 |
| Story ID: | 185552 |
| Location: | CARSON, CA, US |
| Hometown: | LEWISVILLE, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 203 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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