NFL players return to Kaneohe Bay

[thedrifter]

NFL players return to Kaneohe Bay
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 200373182115
Story by Lance Cpl. Monroe F. Seigle



MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(June 27, 2003) -- Several celebrities from the National Football League visited MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, June 27 during their return visit after the Pro Bowl in February.

The athletes were supporters of the Christian Okoye Foundation, which has a mission to capture the passion children have for sports and direct that energy to enhance their educational and personal goals.

Over the years, the foundation has targeted at-risk and underprivileged youth by hosting free athlete clinics, with the assistance of well-known professional athletes who coach the kids. On average the foundation touches the lives of 9,500 kids per year.

Before reaching out to the children in the communities of Hawaii, the star athletes played golf at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course aboard K-Bay and talked to Marines and Sailors from various battalions on base.

"The Marines are really outstanding people; I admire their dedication to their country," said Okoye, the founder of the Christian Okoye Foundation and a former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. "We had a great time the first time we were here during the Pro Bowl. We were honored when we were invited to come back for another visit."

The NFL players also made their way to Kahuna's Sports Bar and Grill, where they found many eager service members anxious to talk and take photos with them, as well as sign autographs.

"Ever since Sept. 11, we have wanted to work with the military and their children," said Eddie Lange, director of the Christian Okoye Foundation. "This was a chance for us to say 'thank you' to the families and service members."




Christian Okoye, a former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, lines up his shot while golfing with service members and other National Football League celebrities during their return visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, and the surrounding community, in support of the Christian Okoye Foundation, June 27.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Monroe F. Seigle




Former National Football Leaguer Eric Dickerson readies to swing during a golf outing with service members and other NFL celebrities during their return visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, and the surrounding community, in support of the Christian Okoye Foundation, June 27.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Monroe F. Seigle


Sempers,

Roger