Jan. 7, 2008
Photo Gallery
Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham University women's and men's basketball teams brightened the holidays for many youngsters in the Bronx, delivering presents to children St. Barnabas Hospital's Union Health Center's Pediatric Clinic in the Bronx to celebrate Three Kings Day. The men stopped by on Friday, January 4th while the women paid the children a visit on Monday, January 7th. The visit, which has become an annual event, marks an ongoing relationship between Fordham Athletics and the hospital.
"When you look at the pictures of our players at the St. Barnabas Clinic, the smiles on their face when they interacted with the children that said it all," said head women's coach Cathy Andruzzi. "They are a spiritual group of players that appreciate their great fortune and understand their role in giving back to those who need their love and support."
The gifts presented to the children were donated by Fordham basketball fans at all men's and women's home basketball games prior to Christmas as well as by members of the Athletic Department. Besides the gifts, the children also received autographed media guides and basketball posters from the student-athletes.
Fordham initiated the partnership to honor Michael J. Armstrong (FCLC '90), a Fordham basketball season ticket holder, who was killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The Michael J. Armstrong Memorial Foundation supports St. Barnabas Hospital as well as Fordham basketball.
Three Kings Day is celebrated annually on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. It is often viewed as the last day of the Christmas season (the end of the 12 days of Christmas).
Also known as The Epiphany, Three Kings Day is a Christian celebration that commemorates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child. According to the Biblical story, the Three Kings - named Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar - presented the Baby Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Both the men's and women's basketball squads are gearing up for the start of the 2008 Atlantic 10 season, Fordham's 13th year as a member of the conference. For a complete schedule of games visit the Fordham athletic web site at www.fordhamsports.com.
