TicketsDec. 20, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio---The University of Cincinnati men's basketball team gave back to the community that supports it today, hosting the Young Men's Program from Mercy Franciscan at St. John. The Bearcats, along with approximately 25 underprivileged youth participated in a 90 minute practice and meet and greet session on UC's campus.
The event was a joint venture between UC Vice President of Student Affairs and Services Dr. Mitch Livingston and Bearcats head coach Mick Cronin. Livingston, along with other professionals from all over Cincinnati, adopted the program with the hopes of bringing stability to the lives of the youth.
"Our initiative is to put responsible males in the lives of the youth to serve as role models and mentors," Livingston said. "We support the program with direct involvement and through our own personal finances. We are here to provide older black men the kids can count on. Most of them have come from very difficult backgrounds and we want to help them learn how to live a good life."
Livingston and others involve the youth in activities such as parties, movies and other outings like the meeting with the Bearcats' basketball team.
"Mick was so gracious in allowing us to come today," Livingston said. "He was very happy to give these kids exposure to basketball at this high level."
Dorron Hunter, an outreach education counselor at Mercy Health Partners and the Director of the Young Men's Program, added quite simply, "these guys made the kids' Christmas!"
Cronin was also very excited to have the young men join his team for the event.
"It's always a pleasure whenever we are able to brighten kids' days up a little bit," he stated. "We just tried to have some fun with them today and teach them about basketball and talk to them about academics. Mostly, we just wanted to put smiles on their faces over the holidays."
The Bearcats will be back on the court this Saturday, Dec. 23 hosting North Carolina State in Fifth Third Arena. Tip-off is set for Noon.