Living life as close to normal as possible is important to many, especially when it comes to youth sports, programs, and activities that have been impacted by COVID-19 cases.
With school districts having to re-close their doors to minimize the impact of the coronavirus, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) and Xenith partnered together to support youth athletes both on and off the field. Xenith’s contribution to the partnership includes providing uniforms, equipment, and products for BGCSM athletes, as well as a donation of time from Xenith team members for volunteer and instructional activities, according to a press release.
“At Xenith, we believe in putting the athlete at the center of all that we do by supporting them both on and off the field,” said Ryan Sullivan, Xenith CEO. “The opportunity to partner with the BGCSM around the shared vision for the 21st-century athlete here in our hometown of Detroit is core to our mission as a team.”
Xenith provided BGCSM youth and families with Xenith equipment at no additional cost to them, including Xenith LOOP non-tackle headgear for the BGCSM flag football programs, and prizes to support the BGCSM enrichment programs. Also, two teams from the Greater Metropolitan Youth Sports League will be awarded Xenith uniforms before the 2021 football season.
The connection with both organizations began over the summer with the aligned vision to Reimagine youth sports and elevate the 21st Century student athlete’s pursuit of success in competition, career, and their character, according to the release. The organizations hosted a summer summit with the youth, programs with former athletes, developed a tool kit that any sports team can use to lead courageous conversations with youth, and provided pathways to careers in sports and beyond.
“We’re grateful to Xenith for investing in our mission of preparing youth to become career, startup, and homeowner ready by 18. Youth sports are key to giving youth the real-world skills needed to achieve those goals,” said Shawn H. Wilson, BGCSM president & CEO in the release.
This programming included a special event in September, focused on racial inequality and sports. The Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic Community Summit was hosted at the BGCSM’s Dauch Club and featured community leaders and football coaches discussing how racial inequality has impacted their lives and careers, and how sport can serve as a conduit for change in our communities.
Xenith team members have donated over 40 hours of volunteer time to BGCSM’s Industry Club activities this past fall and will continue to be active in the Industry Club and virtual learning lab opportunities, providing hands-on learning and mentoring opportunities to students.
Xenith, based in Detroit, creates sporting gear and more to help athletes. To learn more about Xenith, visit xenith.com.
BGCSM continues to be a safe space for youth amid the current pandemic, offering programs for the youth of essential workers, summer camps, and now virtual/on-site learning pods. BGCSM looks to expand its sports league offerings to additional sports and teams in 2021. To learn more about BGCSM visit www.bgcsm.org.
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