The Miami Herald
FIU offers 15,000 free game tickets for inner-city kids
FIU offers 15,000 free game tickets for inner-city kids
BY XAVIER E. MARTINEZ
Florida International University's athletics department has started an initiative to bring 15,000 children to next year's games for free.
Called the Raymond James Kids Club Community Partners program, its mission is to put FIU athletics more in touch with the surrounding, less-fortunate community members.
''Our first focus will be to get kids from the inner city, who normally could not get out to the game, to experience Division I sports,'' said Steve Cisco, assistant athletic director for ticket sales and operations.
``We want them to be afforded the same opportunities many other kids already have.''
The program will offer children tickets, T-shirts and transportation to a game in any sport within FIU's Intercollegiate Athletics Department at no cost.
This will include entrance to the university's newly renovated, multimillion dollar football stadium.
''No ticket is free. Two things people can do is make a donation to the Raymond James Kids Club or link us with any organization that would be interested in helping our cause,'' Cisco said.
Another aspect of the program will let children meet and interact directly with student-athletes.
''Everyone that is utilizing the Raymond James can also have our players come out and volunteer time with them,'' said Liz Borrell, assistant athletic director for student athlete development and community relations.
``Some of our athletes are already signing up to become mentors or Big Brothers and Big Sisters.''
According to Borrell, FIU still needs more children to enroll with the program. If any organization is interested, contact the main ticket office at 305-348-4263.
