Former NFL Stars Return to Y to Inspire Youngsters

Bringing with them the message “you’re not born a loser, you’re born a chooser,” ex-NFL players Jimmie Bell and Steve Grant returned to Marco’s YMCA of Collier County campus as part of Sports World’s ongoing outreach mission.

The faith-based organization sends professional athletes to share personal life experiences with students, helping them to recognize the consequences of their choices while challenging them with ‘The Message of Hope.’

Sports World President Tim Kirchmer said the pandemic put an end to traditional visits to schools around the country but added that Sports World’s virtual presence increased exponentially through the skillful use of social media like Tik-Tok, Facebook and Instagram.

He said that the increase in stress, anxiety and depression among children in the wake of Covid had led to a declaration of a national state of emergency by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Children’s Hospital Association.

“So, we’re trying to bring positive messages of confidence, '' Kirchmer said. “We have a purpose to continue and not give up. Some children are isolated and some are behind, so they need encouragement more than ever.”

During the “Pizza with the Pros” event, as it was dubbed, ex-NFL stars Bell and Grant along with snowboarding legend Tom Gilles played some hoops with the children and then spoke to groups at the Y’s Youth Development Center.

About a dozen members of the Y’s competitive swim program listened to words of encouragement from Grant, after which swimmer Eva Galvez (10) said his words had been inspiring. 

“Considering he had achieved so much, it was interesting to listen to his point of view, and how he did it,” Galvez said.

More information about Sports World is available at the sportsworld.org website, and for more on the Y’s wide variety of programs and activities for adults and children, visit marcoymca.org or call 239-394-YMCA (9622). Follow on Twitter at ymcamarco; on Facebook @marcoymca, and Instagram at ymcamarco.