Over time, the DMV has boasted some excellent athletes in numerous sports activities. Many have gone to turn into highschool and faculty All Individuals and even professionals.
But by way of time, many are forgotten. So in an effort to protect the accomplishments and accolades of these former athletes and produce them collectively, Lloyd Mayes determined to start out Athletes in Motion (AIA) in 2015.
“It appeared like the one time that we have been capable of join and get collectively was at funerals,” mentioned Mays, AIA president and a Cardozo Excessive Faculty and American College graduate. “So a gaggle of us acquired collectively and determined to type Athletes in Motion. We needed to honor the previous athletes and coaches within the DMV by bringing [them] collectively for an annual occasion.”
AIA began slowly and had 15-20 members the primary yr. Then slowly however certainly, it grew annually in numbers and expanded its mission. The group celebrated its ninth anniversary with near 200 attendees at this yr’s occasion.
The occasion was held at East Potomac Park in Northwest, Washington. Former athletes, coaches and members of the family in attendance sat underneath tents, advised tales, loved the old fashioned music, hand danced, offering for excellent fellowship.
It’s jokingly mentioned amongst members that the one admission value to attend, is that you need to “inform two lies” about your accomplishments or performances throughout your profession
A few of the attendees included such legends as Larry Spriggs, former Howard College standout and member of the world champion Los Angeles Lakers; Corridor of Fame Coach Bob Headen (H.D Woodson and Cardozo); former Howard College baseball participant and retired sportscaster Glenn Harris.
Maybe probably the most acknowledged attendee at this yr’s occasion was Dave Bing. Bing starred at Spingarn Excessive Faculty earlier than attending Syracuse College and later being drafted by the Detroit Pistons. Following a Corridor of Fame NBA profession, Bing transitioned into turning into profitable as a businessman, then in politics as mayor of Detroit. Now, he’s head of The Bing Youth Abuse program, a neighborhood program for adolescents, ages 7-14 in Detroit, the place he now makes his dwelling.
“That is the primary time that I’ve had an opportunity to attend this occasion,” mentioned Bing, in between quite a few requests to take photographs with folks and to speak on the telephone to somebody asking to talk to him. “For numerous causes, I used to be invited, however was not capable of make it prior to now. To return again dwelling and see individuals who I’ve not seen in years could be very particular. There’s nothing like coming dwelling and being part of one thing like this. It makes me really feel blessed and proud.”
By way of the years, there was a big enhance in participation from girls. The July 16 occasion had the most important participation from girls within the group’s historical past.
Among the many attendees have been former highschool observe and area All Individuals Tomi Rucker (Coolidge), Charlita Whitehead (H.D. Woodson), Carolyn Brinkley (Theodore Roosevelt and College of the District of Columbia), former skilled race automotive driver Imply Billye Jean Armstrong and former Olympian Esther Stroy Harper.
Whereas a lot of the main target is on the gathering of athletes, Mayes defined that AIA has advanced to larger heights.
“Now we have two different occasions,” he added. ”We now have an annual crab feast as a fundraiser that has grown leaps and bounds. Then we’ve a dinner and dance that could be a fundraiser.”
A part of the fundraiser goes to deserving youth excited by attending faculty or commerce colleges.
“We try to draw and contain extra younger folks to hold on the custom of the Athletes in Motion. It was an important turnout and we’re happy at the place it has come.”