|Zach|
06-14-2007, 10:17 AM
http://examiner.net/stories/061307/spo_061307037.shtml
Bowled over
Chiefs roll into town to celebrate youth program
It was difficult to tell who was having more fun, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Samie Parker or 11-year-old Deontre and 9-year-old Kandis.
Parker traded his football cleats for bowling shoes and joined Deontre, Kandis and other youngsters from Operation Breakthrough for a night of pizza, bowling and fun Tuesday evening at Lunar Bowl in Blue Springs.
It was Operation Breakthrough's way of thanking the Chiefs and the many sponsors of the pre- and after-school program that serves 625 inner-city youngsters.
"This is a great way to bond with the community," Parker said as he signed autographs and high-fived the youngsters in his group. "A lot of the kids here never have the chance to see a game or meet an athlete in person and this gives us the opportunity to show them we're no different than they are. We're human beings just like them. We like to bowl and have fun. This is an event we all look forward to every year."
Operation Breakthrough provides service for the children and families of the inner city, including day care, meals, Children's Mercy Clinic, dental clinic, speech therapy, play therapy, housing assistance, food and clothing and social services.
"It's just an amazing program and we are so proud to be a part of it," Lunar Bowl's Garry Cobb said.
After last year's event ended, most of those attending went home with their families.
But not Malik. The 10-year-old headed back to his homeless shelter.
"You hear about things like that and it just breaks your heart," said all-pro offensive lineman Brian Waters, who attended last year's event. "These kids have been through a lot. We love to come out here and meet and thank the sponsors, bowl with the kids and have some fun.
"It's fun talking to the kids, especially the kids who ask all the questions. They want to know everything from what you drive to how much money you make. When I talk with them, I like to talk about responsibility and the challenges they face - and give them some hope."
Deontre said he has been a part of Operation Breakthrough "for as long as I can remember.
"It's like my second home. I'm so glad I get to go there because I get to come to fun things like this and meet Chiefs players."
Kandis was hoping to meet all-pro tight end Tony Gonzalez, but he was unable to make an appearance.
"That's all right," Kandis said. "I like to meet all the players. They are so nice, and they are good bowlers."
The Chiefs became involved with Operation Breakthrough through the efforts of former head coach Dick Vermeil and his wife, Carol.
"Dick got the ball rolling and we're going to keep it rolling," said Chiefs coach Herm Edwards, who attended the event for the second year in a row. "Operation Breakthrough means a lot to the community and these kids. It's just a very special place.
"Dick and Carol were so involved and the Chiefs organization is still involved. This is a great opportunity for our team and our players to get out in the community and meet some special people."
Edwards' wife, Lisa, was also on hand, and was caught off guard when a young girl asked her to sign her Operation Breakthrough T-shirt.
"I'm not used to this," Lisa said, sporting a big grin while holding her infant daughter Gabrielle. "Herm really enjoys coming to events like this, especially the events where he can visit with the kids and be a part of their lives."
Operation Breakthrough was founded by Sister Berta and Sister Carita 38 years ago. They now have two adopted children and four foster children.
"All of these kids are like our very own," Sister Carita said. "We have young people from the age of 6 months to 17 years in our program."
Keylan is an 11-year-old fan of the sisters.
"I love Sister Carita and Sister Berta," Keylan exclaimed. "I don't know what my life would be like without Operation Breakthrough. I love the teachers and the staff and all my friends."
No one signed more T-shirts or posed for more photos than Herm Edwards.
"The young people who attend this event can't afford to see a Chiefs game in person," Edwards said. "But here, they can meet the players, touch them, get to know them.
"I talk to our players about making a difference in someone's life. And I think they have done that at events like this, and through visiting the kids at Operation Breakthrough."
"Something like this gives these kids hope," Waters said. "These kids have been through a lot. I think I learn as much from them as they learn from being around the players. They are tough and they are strong.
"And if we can put a smile on their faces for one night, that's what this is all about."
Bowled over
Chiefs roll into town to celebrate youth program
It was difficult to tell who was having more fun, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Samie Parker or 11-year-old Deontre and 9-year-old Kandis.
Parker traded his football cleats for bowling shoes and joined Deontre, Kandis and other youngsters from Operation Breakthrough for a night of pizza, bowling and fun Tuesday evening at Lunar Bowl in Blue Springs.
It was Operation Breakthrough's way of thanking the Chiefs and the many sponsors of the pre- and after-school program that serves 625 inner-city youngsters.
"This is a great way to bond with the community," Parker said as he signed autographs and high-fived the youngsters in his group. "A lot of the kids here never have the chance to see a game or meet an athlete in person and this gives us the opportunity to show them we're no different than they are. We're human beings just like them. We like to bowl and have fun. This is an event we all look forward to every year."
Operation Breakthrough provides service for the children and families of the inner city, including day care, meals, Children's Mercy Clinic, dental clinic, speech therapy, play therapy, housing assistance, food and clothing and social services.
"It's just an amazing program and we are so proud to be a part of it," Lunar Bowl's Garry Cobb said.
After last year's event ended, most of those attending went home with their families.
But not Malik. The 10-year-old headed back to his homeless shelter.
"You hear about things like that and it just breaks your heart," said all-pro offensive lineman Brian Waters, who attended last year's event. "These kids have been through a lot. We love to come out here and meet and thank the sponsors, bowl with the kids and have some fun.
"It's fun talking to the kids, especially the kids who ask all the questions. They want to know everything from what you drive to how much money you make. When I talk with them, I like to talk about responsibility and the challenges they face - and give them some hope."
Deontre said he has been a part of Operation Breakthrough "for as long as I can remember.
"It's like my second home. I'm so glad I get to go there because I get to come to fun things like this and meet Chiefs players."
Kandis was hoping to meet all-pro tight end Tony Gonzalez, but he was unable to make an appearance.
"That's all right," Kandis said. "I like to meet all the players. They are so nice, and they are good bowlers."
The Chiefs became involved with Operation Breakthrough through the efforts of former head coach Dick Vermeil and his wife, Carol.
"Dick got the ball rolling and we're going to keep it rolling," said Chiefs coach Herm Edwards, who attended the event for the second year in a row. "Operation Breakthrough means a lot to the community and these kids. It's just a very special place.
"Dick and Carol were so involved and the Chiefs organization is still involved. This is a great opportunity for our team and our players to get out in the community and meet some special people."
Edwards' wife, Lisa, was also on hand, and was caught off guard when a young girl asked her to sign her Operation Breakthrough T-shirt.
"I'm not used to this," Lisa said, sporting a big grin while holding her infant daughter Gabrielle. "Herm really enjoys coming to events like this, especially the events where he can visit with the kids and be a part of their lives."
Operation Breakthrough was founded by Sister Berta and Sister Carita 38 years ago. They now have two adopted children and four foster children.
"All of these kids are like our very own," Sister Carita said. "We have young people from the age of 6 months to 17 years in our program."
Keylan is an 11-year-old fan of the sisters.
"I love Sister Carita and Sister Berta," Keylan exclaimed. "I don't know what my life would be like without Operation Breakthrough. I love the teachers and the staff and all my friends."
No one signed more T-shirts or posed for more photos than Herm Edwards.
"The young people who attend this event can't afford to see a Chiefs game in person," Edwards said. "But here, they can meet the players, touch them, get to know them.
"I talk to our players about making a difference in someone's life. And I think they have done that at events like this, and through visiting the kids at Operation Breakthrough."
"Something like this gives these kids hope," Waters said. "These kids have been through a lot. I think I learn as much from them as they learn from being around the players. They are tough and they are strong.
"And if we can put a smile on their faces for one night, that's what this is all about."