Queens, NY, August 3 – Two of America’s most celebrated athletes
inspired and motivated New York City school children on July 30th
by visiting a unique summer program at St. John’s University’s
campus in Queens.
As captured in the photo
gallery, tennis legend John McEnroe and three-time Olympic
medalist Edwin Moses visited St. John’s to support CampUs, which
serves more than 400 seven to fourteen-year-olds from public
housing developments and homeless shelters throughout the five
boroughs. Co-sponsored by the After School All-Stars and St.
John’s, CampUs prepares inner-city children for success through
academic and athletic enrichment.
For two hours, McEnroe and Moses provided advice and
encouragement to CampUs’s young students. The athletes serve on the
Board of Directors of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, USA,
which promotes athletics and academics to combat today’s greatest
social challenges. Moses also chairs the organization.
McEnroe and Moses watched as the children conducted experiments
in St. John’s chemistry labs, helped the children master chess
strategy, and offered support as the children gained computer
skills. To the children’s delight, McEnroe also challenged Moses to
the hurdles. (The photo gallery captured this contest as well,
suggesting that tennis remains McEnroe’s strong suit.)
CampUs Children Graduate on August
3
This summer’s CampUs program concluded with graduation
exercises at St. John’s on Tuesday, August 3. In addition to
receiving their diplomas, the children enjoyed keynote remarks by
Rick Sowell, St. John’s new lacrosse coach.
"I wanted to express to the students the importance of a sound
mind and sound body," said Coach Sowell. "I also emphasized
that they should concentrate on academics as well as
sports."
The opening exercises began with the National Anthem at 1:00
p.m. in Marillac Hall. Dr. Richard Sinatra, project director and
chairman of counseling and human services at St. John’s, presided
over the festivities.