Do The Right Thing

Josh Cribbs Photo credit: Tracy Boulian / The Plain Dealer

Guest post by Traci Christler, Annual Fund Coordinator, 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland 

I don't think it is a secret that Clevelanders love their sports teams. Good or bad, adults and kids alike look to sports figures as role models. Some athletes put themselves before the team. Some get involved with drugs and alcohol and breaking the law. Just the sort of person you don't want your children to end up like.

But, then there are other athletes. Many athletes get involved in the community and give back to the city (Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner is a great example). Some of these men and women work hard and strive to do their very best. These folks conduct themselves as professionals both on and off the field. 

This past week, members of the Cleveland Browns showed up to the practice facility for the start of Training Camp. Because of the uncertainty of the recent NFL lockout, the players were turned away and were not allowed to work out. The players had two choices, they could turn around and go home or they could work on another solution.  Josh Cribbs and several other players left the facility and went to the Cleveland Metroparks and created their own work out. As a fan, it was exciting to read news about our team working together to be the best that they can be.

Every day in our clubs, there are dedicated Boys & Girls Club staff members trying to guide our kids into making good decisions.  Our kids need great role models in their lives to help them to BE GREAT!

If you are interested in taking a tour of one of our Clubs or volunteering to be a role model, please contact Christopher West at cwest@clevekids.org.