Billy Earl Dade Middle School on Dec. 10 received a $25,000 equipment donation from Uncommon Athlete, which is a partnership between the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and Rachel’s Challenge.
Uncommon Athlete aims to use the power and platform of sports to change lives and reshape communities. In addition to presenting equipment such as helmets, bats, baseballs, and football gear, Cody Hodges, who played college football at Texas Tech University and speaks for Rachel’s Challenge, urged the Dade athletes to act with integrity and be role models. .
Uncommon Athlete also donated a grand total of $50,000 in sports equipment to David W. Carter, Skyline, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, and L.G. Pinkston high schools.
“Our district is grateful for this partnership, made possible by our partners at Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, which provides a focus on personal integrity – not just how to be an athlete,” said Tom Hayden, manager of Dallas ISD Volunteer and Partnership Services. “Beyond the donation of equipment, it’s more than sports, more than winning or losing, it’s about life lessons. Uncommon Athlete focuses on doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
