Jan. 12, 2012
Photo Gallery
Bronx, N.Y. -
After returning late last night from a game in Philadelphia, the 2011-12 Fordham University men's basketball team was up early today to demonstrate the Jesuit philosophy of homines pro aliis (people for others) today, brightening the lives of some Bronx youngsters by presenting the children with presents at the Union Community Health Center, an affiliate of the St. Barnabas Health Network, in the Bronx.
"This is a great opportunity for the players to interact with children who are less fortunate and to spend some time connecting with them," said Fordham head men's basketball coach Tom Pecora. "Even though we had a tough loss last night, I think it's important for the players to understand that this is real life. It's something that will hopefully stay with them for a long time."
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 Fordham basketball yearbooks from the student-athletes.
This is the seventh straight year that the Fordham basketball program has appeared at the St. Barnabas Hospital and Union Community Health Center to distribute gifts to the children. The original idea was to us the day to help recognize Three Kings Day, 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). This year Fordham's visit to St. Barnabas was moved to today due to scheduling conflicts.
"We are so excited to have the team here again this year," said Patricia Belair, senior vice president of the hospital. "As the parent of a college student, I know how busy their lives can be. So it is so nice when the student-athletes can take time out of their day to spread some cheer."
Fordham's Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Vice Board Chairman at St. Barnabas John Tognino, says that reaching out to the children is "a great reflection upon the spirit at Fordham University. We are all proud to be Rams!"
The Rams will return to action next Wednesday, January 18th, as they host the University of Rhode Island in an Atlantic 10 matchup in the Rose Hill Gym at 7:00 p.m.
