Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman Athletic Communications


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Academy Sport + Outdoors, in partnership with Bethune-Cookman University Athletics, teamed up to bring holiday cheer to deserving youth in Daytona Beach on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at the Academy Sports Store at the Tomoka Town Center.

Joining B-CU President Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite and Vice-President of Intercollegiate Athletics Lynn W. Thompson were  joined by Chief Jakari Young of the Daytona Beach Police Department and members of the B-CU coaching staffs and student-athletes.

"We are so proud to partner with Academy Sports + Outdoors to provide this holiday blessing to several of our kids from this area. I was once one of them and know personally the feeling of someone investing in me," Thompson said. "To have our university president, coaches and athletes here is great, and to have our new chief of police with us is an even bigger deal because they have the power to impact generations of young people with their leadership and ability to touch these kids."

The recipients were selected from a pool of area youth from programs operated by the City of Daytona Beach Leisure Services with support from the Daytona Beach Police Department. Activities began at approximately 3 p.m.

"I am honored to be able to support the city of Daytona Beach's Leisure Services Department as well as my alma mater, the GREAT Bethune-Cookman University as they bless 10 children with a shopping spree for Christmas," Young said. "Go Cats!"

Mike Reynolds, Regional Marketing Specialist from Academy Sports + Outdoors, worked directly with B-CU athletic staff to coordinate the event.  

"Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to team up with Bethune-Cookman University to donate fun sports and outdoors products and Academy gift cards to kids from the Daytona Beach Police Department," Reynolds said. "We're very proud to work with these organizations that do so much in the community and help make the holidays a little brighter for some local children."    

Academy Sports + Outdoors is the Official Sporting Goods and Outdoor Retailer of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The partnership between Academy Sports + Outdoors and the MEAC focuses on establishing meaningful community initiatives within the MEAC footprint.