As many of you know, my years at Davidson College were deeply enriched by the Davidson Men’s Basketball Program. My adventures with the team as a writer and a fan have given me countless opportunities and wonderful, unexpected friendships that I can’t imagine being without.
One person that I’ve met through the program is former Davidson star forward Andrew Lovedale ’09. Born in Benin City, Nigeria, Andrew got the chance to play basketball at a prep school in England, and then at Davidson. An unstoppable force on the court and off, Andrew has consistently dedicated his energy and enthusiasm to serving the children of Nigeria. As a freshman, he began quietly taking his teammates’ discarded practice gear and basketball shoes home to Benin City. With each passing year, his endeavor attracted more local attention and energized the entire Davidson community; in 2009, “Kicks from ‘Cats: The Andrew Lovedale Shoe Drive” raised over $15,000 and 10,500 pairs of shoes were donated. That summer, a team of Davidson staff, alumni, fans and players traveled to Benin City and Lagos, Nigeria to deliver the shoes and lead basketball clinics with the help of the nonprofit organization Samaritan’s Feet. The 10-day trip deeply impacted everyone involved, and they returned to North Carolina inspired to continue working for Nigeria’s children.
In September 2010, Andrew founded his own nonprofit, Access to Success, based in Davidson. A2S aims to provide a firm foundation for Nigerian children through Andrew’s philosophy of sports, faith, and education. After successfully executing the third annual “Kicks from ‘Cats” event in January, the next step is clear: a return trip to Nigeria in late June, once more joining with partners and friends at Samaritan’s Feet. The trip will again consist of delivering basketball shoes, running basketball clinics and speaking to youth about the value of mind, body and spirit. It will also help lay the groundwork for establishing long-term A2S operations in Benin City.
More specifically, we plan to:
- Teach supplemental educational courses for under-served youth, run various sporting clinics (with a focus on basketball), and implement youth-driven and youth-led community service projects.
- Develop an A2S model in Benin City, Nigeria and establish partnerships by July 2011, through official volunteer training during a visit to Benin City in June.
- Establish A2S Benin City operations by June 2012 with an official office and classroom.
- Work with local churches, specifically in Benin City.
- Implement the A2S model in other cities in Nigeria and beyond, as deemed necessary and appropriate.
- Provide this service for no charge to our youth participants.
- Share Christian values, but open programs to youth of all religious affiliations.
You can donate by clicking on the secure PayPal link at the top of this blog, or mail any donation to:
Claire Asbury
c/o 3508 Chevington Road
Charlotte, NC 28226
For more information, visit Access to Success's website. In addition to pictures, videos and stories from the 2009 trip to Nigeria, you will find all the most up-to-date A2S news.
No gift is too small, and please know how deeply I appreciate your support. At first sight the amount appears daunting, but little by little, it can be achieved. While raising the money is imperative to my participation, I also ask for your prayers, which are equally important. I’m so grateful for your friendship and support, and I thank you for partnering with me in this exciting adventure!
All my best,
Claire
No comments:
Post a Comment