By William McCormick
The inaugural HBCU Football Showcase, hosted by Champion Charity and presented by All Health Matters Foundation, took place Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Lauderhill Sports Park. Although the showcase started at 7 p.m., many attendees arrived early, thus facilitating the illumination of the early morning sky prior to park lights being activated. By the end of the event, nearly 75 juniors and seniors were enrolled for this FREE one-day football showcase. The morning was packed with plenty of talent and anxious student-athletes eager to display their skills for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The event brought together student-athletes, sponsors, physicians, former NFL players, coaches and volunteers to a perfect weather day and conditions suited for challenging agility drills and one-on-one competition.
The event was a huge success as parents gave praise about how well organized the showcase was. Parent Arglenda Willis enthusiastically stated, “My grandson registered online, we showed up early to the park not sure what to really expect. The check in process/ registration procedures were seamless and the volunteer workers were very friendly. I really enjoyed seeing so many kids up so early, chasing their dream for college, and the organizer did a tremendous job getting ready for this morning, and believe me, I watched everything. Each field activity from the bench press to the 40-yard dash was completely coordinated.”
All Health Matters Foundation was the title sponsor of the event of field activities that consisted of seven agility stations from the bench press to the 40-yard dash. Each participant was provided a swag bag filled with sports apparel and tech items. Participating athletes were also provided a box lunch after the showcase.
Four years ago, Champion Charity, Inc., was founded by William “Bill” McCormick, who’s known and respected for his community leadership, advocacy and business acumen. He is the brainchild behind this showcase and the self-proclaimed national ambassador for increased exposure and enrollment for all HBCUs. His mission is to bring more awareness through education and outreach activities about the value and importance of HBCUs, especially those that present opportunities for South Florida student-athletes to consider attending and playing sports. “This inaugural event was specifically designed to start the process toward something much BIGGER. Stated Mr. McCormick, “ For me it’s simple: I am an HBCU alum privileged to currently serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for South Florida’s only HBCU (Florida Memorial University), I am keenly aware of what’s needed and I intend to do my part to collaborate and pull together likeminded corporate partners, professionals and volunteers who will support this initiative.”
Today’s supporters included Coca Cola, Nations Benefits , NLL, Amps International, Write Choice Consulting Firm, Sports Mediators, JFI Sports Medicine, and D2L. “It was an absolute delight to see so many young men participating in today’s event and even more a pleasure having the opportunity to work alongside and support Bill’s vision to help our kids. The event was impressive and powerful” said Gloria Coleman, President of All Health Matters Foundation, who was the title sponsor.
After months of planning and preparation, the day of execution drew student athletes from Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. In addition, three student athletes and their coach, sponsored by Tucker Law Group, traveled from Philadelphia to participate in the showcase.
Prior to the one-on-one field activities, Champion Charity presented two community service awards to Mr. Larry Blustein and Mrs. Tameika Delsoin for their commitment, promotion, and longstanding support of student athletes in South Florida.
The showcase field of activities was led by professional sports trainer Tony Thomas of Sports Mediators, assisted by two volunteers assigned at each of the seven established agility drill stations to ensure accuracy, recording and completion. “I have known William McCormick since our freshman year at Florida Memorial University, and he didn’t have to asked me a second time to volunteer for the showcase at the bench press station because I know him firsthand, and if he says it’s going to happen for the kids, get ready because it’s going to be huge and special”, said volunteer Willie Gilyard.
Champion Charity, Inc., recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 charitable organization, is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, authorized to raise funds through various activities to cover gap scholarships that support students attending Florida Memorial University and other HBCUs. Your individual and corporate support is welcome and appreciated.
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