Students with Roanoke Parks and Recreation’s P.L.A.Y. After School Program recently enjoyed two visits with college athletic teams while in town for the 2022 CIAA Conference Championships. Representatives with the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) along with student athletes visited the after school program to meet with the students and participate in games and enrichment activities.
“Having the opportunity to meet and interact with collegiate level athletes is an incredibly rewarding experience for our students,” says Liz Quintana, Youth Development Supervisor for Roanoke Parks and Recreation. “They’ve enjoyed spending time with these inspiring young adult role models.”
Cross Country athletes from Livingstone College, Elizabeth City State University, Virginia Union University, and Shaw University visited the students in October. The teams provided homework help, played games in the gym, and got to speak with the students about their experiences in collegiate athletics. During a second visit in November, the after school students were joined by volleyball teams from Shaw University, Elizabeth City State University, Winston-Salem State University, and Fayetteville State University. The teams played games with the kids in the gym, spent time talking with them, played board games, and even enjoyed a visit with Mayor Sherman Lea!
About the Roanoke Parks and Recreation After School P.L.A.Y. Program
The Roanoke Parks and Recreation After School P.L.A.Y. Program (Positive Learning and Adventure for Youth) is designed to give children a place to receive homework assistance and participate in enrichment activities in a safe, welcoming environment. Offered at three community recreation centers in Roanoke, the P.L.A.Y. Program is open to participants in grades kindergarten through fifth. For more information, please visit www.playroanoke.com.
About the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the oldest African-American athletic conference and one of the largest Division II conferences in the country. The CIAA conducts 16 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Hampton, Va., the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Chowan University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University.
