LITTLE ROCK, AR. — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions kicked off Natural State Football Kickoff Classic week by making an impact beyond the football field, as UAPB scholar-athletes spent time throughout Central Arkansas promoting education, literacy and community engagement through the Lions for Literacy initiative.
As excitement builds toward the inaugural Natural State Football Kickoff Classic, UAPB scholar-athletes, joined by the Golden Lions' mascot, Legend the Lion, visited several elementary schools throughout Central Arkansas to read books, interact with students and share the importance of literacy and education.
The Golden Lions connected with students at Harris Elementary, College Station Elementary, Mabelvale Elementary, J.A. Fair Elementary, Broadmoor Elementary, Little Rock Episcopal, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary and Lighthouse Charter School.
Throughout the visits, UAPB scholar-athletes read with students, answered questions and encouraged them to make reading and education an important part of their everyday lives. The initiative also provided an opportunity for young students to connect directly with collegiate scholar-athletes and learn about the commitment required to succeed both academically and athletically.
"This is part of the vision our Chancellor has for UAPB, being visible in our communities, serving others and making an impact," said UAPB Director of Athletics Chris Robinson. "Seeing the smiles on the students' faces when our scholar-athletes and Legend the Lion walked into those schools was awesome. Our scholar-athletes had an opportunity to read, connect with the students and share the importance of literacy and education.
"This goes beyond the Natural State Football Kickoff Classic. Lions for Literacy is something we want to continue throughout the year, giving our scholar-athletes opportunities to serve and inspire young people across Arkansas. Athletics provides us with a tremendous platform, and we want to use that platform to make a difference."
The Lions for Literacy initiative reflects UAPB Athletics' commitment to developing champions in the classroom, in competition and throughout the community. It also gives Golden Lion scholar-athletes an opportunity to use their platform to encourage the next generation while building meaningful relationships throughout the state.
The week of community engagement leads into a historic weekend in Arkansas' capital city as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions take on Morehouse College in the inaugural Natural State Football Kickoff Classic on Saturday, Aug. 29, at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
