LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – The Lincoln University Athletic Department participated in a Community Engagement Outreach Program on Friday, Nov. 18 in conjunction with the Lincoln University vs. Cheyney University “Battle of the First” basketball contests at the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University.

“Lincoln University vs. Cheyney University is an exciting rivalry in the Southern Chester County Area,” Lincoln University Director of Athletics Dianthia Ford-Kee said. “Our goal was to provide youth in the local community the opportunity to attend the event, learn more about Lincoln University, meet students in our athletic program, and share with them the importance of staying in school.”

 
Howard Prigg, a Lincoln University employee, assisted the Athletic Department by inviting and organizing the children in the Lincoln and Oxford Communities to attend the game.  Steve Kelly Sr., of Kelly's Sports purchased and donated 100 tickets for the local community and provided 100 T-shirts for the event. Meanwhile, Greggs Bus Services provided two school buses and drives to transport the youth back and forth to Philadelphia, Pa. Ben Johnson, Director of Thompson Hospitality, provided a healthy meal in route to the game and State Farm Insurance Company donated back sacs.
 
 “I think the event went really well,” Prigg said. “The kids and even the adults that went really enjoyed themselves. This was a good opportunity for the kids to interact with collegiate student. If done again, I feel it would be very successful.”

Lincoln University head men's and women's soccer coach N. Fabio Boateng provided his women's soccer team, while Lincoln's head softball and volleyball coach Lynsey Grace provided members of her teams as volunteer chaperones for the event.  Also, volunteer soccer coach, a Lincoln University employee in the public safety department and Pastor of Brighter Way Ministries, C. Ernie Stevens, coordinated and invited children from Delaware and Kennett Square to attend the event.