2011 Chicago Football Classic Kick-Off
by Thelma Sardin
On Tuesday morning, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced his support of the 14th Chicago Football Classic (CFC) to be held Sep. 3 at Soldier Field. A kick-off press conference was held Aug. 23 at the Nike Factory Store in Chicagos Chatham neighborhood. Each year the event encourages higher education among youth and the eradication of senseless violence.
Several aldermen, business leaders and community residents were present for the announcement. The events co-founders Larry Huggins and Everett Rand hosted the press conference. Events for the CFC will span Labor Day weekend. The events mission is to bring awareness to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and to expose aspects of the college experience to Chicago youth.
Introduced by Ald. Carrie Austin (34th), Mayor Emanuel called the classic a great sporting event.
[The CFC exposes] our children not just to a college education but most importantly [to] the role historically black colleges and universities has played in the African American community. The mayor added that HBCUs anchor youth intellectually, culturally and spiritually.
Huggins explained to reporters the classics purpose.
The reason that we do this is to make sure all the young kids get an opportunity to experience what it means to go to college. This game has always been about promoting higher education, he said.
Huggins also discussed the necessity of the classics corporate sponsorships.
For seven years Nike has been our title sponsor, he said. In addition, the CFCs relationship with Nike had afforded the other sponsorships for the event.
Walgreens is also a sponsor of the classic. Darren Benton, district manager, Walgreens also gave remarks at the conference.
We strongly believe in the Chicago Football Classic to give our youth an opportunity to engage in productivity and proactive programs. We know that the positive images and reinforcements are the key to our kids success, said Benton.
Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th) said the CFC is important for youth. Sawyer, who is the son of late Chicago mayor Eugene Sawyer, said attending the CFC since his fathers passing in 2008 has been difficult.
With the exception of one game, I have been to every classic. Its a little melancholy because I have been to all of them with my father. It is a great cause. I encourage everyone to support this classic; its important for the children, he said.
This years CFC will feature Alabama A & M Bulldogs and the Hampton University Pirates. For more information please log on to www.chicagofootballclassic.biz. Tickets are $15, $25, $30 and $40 and can be purchased at Midway Wholesalers (773-874-8000 ext. 4025), Riteway-Huggins Construction (773-734-1600) and Ticketmaster.
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