Buddies get kids in game

By Nicole Hutcheson, Times Staff Writer
Published February 19, 2008

Lawrence Samuels, from left, of the Tampa Bay Storm, Paul Ranger of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Mike Alstott of the Buccaneers announced Monday night that they are part of a new program called Sports Buddies, sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
	[James Borchuck | Times]

It was a scene any local sports fan would have drooled over.

Retired Buccaneer Mike Alstott, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Paul Ranger and Storm receiver Lawrence Samuels all seated in a row inside the VIP lounge at the Tropicana Stadium ready to answer questions.

The first: What were you like as a kid?

An unexpected but fitting question for the event.

The athletes were in attendance to announce their involvement in a new program being launched by Tampa Bay's Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The new program, Sports Buddies, aims to encourage men with a love for sports to share their interest with children.

"We have so many boys waiting," said De Anna Sheffield, spokeswoman for the community-based organization. "We're encouraging men to come in."

Tampa Bay's Big Brothers Big Sisters served more than 6,000 children last year. Once enrolled in the program, children are matched with adult mentors that share their interest. The goal is to develop positive relationships that have a lasting impact on the young people.

With Sports Buddies, the children will attend one spectator sport and participate in a sporting event with their buddies each month.

"Sports show all of us that discipline, hard work, and determination are important in life," said Samuels said in a written statement.

The Tampa Bay Rays baseball team also is a partner in the initiative. First baseman Carols Pena made an appearance at Monday's press conference via satellite.

Dozens of Big Brothers and Sisters, along with their young counterparts, showed up for the event as well.

Ryan Kiehn, 39, kicked around a ball with a 9-year-old boy he has been mentoring for the past two years. They meet about twice a month.

"It doesn't take much to make a big difference," Kiehn said.

Nicole Hutcheson can be reached at nhutcheson@sptimes.com or 727 893-8828.

TO LEARN MORE:

Get involved

For more about Sports Buddies, visit: www.bigsportsbuddies.org or call, toll free 1-888-412-BIGS.

[Last modified February 18, 2008, 23:27:46]