(Overtown -- Miami, FL) - The 2020 novel coronavirus pandemic forced a nationwide isolation, and collectively we witnessed many polarizing events across the country. We saw the suspension of professional sports, extracurricular sporting events, and a number of limitations placed on indoor dining and travel. These were some of the more tolerable truths.
We also saw a surge in intolerable truths, a surge of carnage and violence within communities of color. During this year without sports our beloved communities saw an increase in the number of youth exposed to, and those who have fallen victim to gun violence. Sports has long been a safe haven, a time of neighborhood pride for student athletes, families and the community.
The Duane Starks Foundation (DSF) has chosen to collaborate with the Overtown Optimist Club a local community-based organization, to create a positive platform which highlights his hometown community of Overtown, while also showcasing the vast individual talent which inhabits the area. The event was held at Theodore Gibson Park this past Saturday.
This hybrid triathlon featured co-ed teams, from four City of Miami parks competing in three athletic areas – basketball, field drills and swimming. Each winning park took home not only the bragging rights and trophies, but a monetary award, as well.
This was a star-studded community based event, featuring some of Starks local friends; Vernon Carey, Quinton Dunbar, Alonzo Mourning, Louis Oliver, Fred Taylor and Michael Vick, to name a few.
“Competition and sports cultivates resilience in scholar athletes, while also enhancing self-esteem, motivation and determination” says event founder, Duane Starks.
The Duane Starks Foundation is founded by former NFL cornerback, drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 1998 NFL Draft. Mr. Starks was born and raised in Overtown (Miami, FL) and is dedicated to serving as a change agent for his beloved hometown. The Foundation believes in offering scholars and scholar athletes an opportunity to create a pathway for their future, of their own design.
The Optimist Club of Overtown has a vision of increasing student and family access to affordable, high quality youth development enrichment and programming, designed to increase intergenerational mobility for youth by providing leadership opportunities. Utilizing high quality academic advisement, character education, economics, mentorship, and respectful sportsmanship to empower youth to reach their full potential.