Wilcox Challenges Students for Shoes

Students at Randallstown High School in Baltimore County received a special message earlier this month, as Ravens tight end Daniel Wilcox delivered some inspirational words as part of the Shoes for Grades Challenge.

Through the Shoes for Grades Challenge program, Sports Boosters of Maryland, Holabird Sports and Wilcox calls for the youth to raise their grade point average by one full grade from the second to third quarter grading periods during the 2007 – 2008 academic school year.

The students who meet the challenge will receive a new pair of name brand athletic shoes donated by Sports Boosters and Holabird Sports. The Shoes for Grades Challenge is currently in several schools in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Wilcox talked about the determination and faith he had to have to get to where he is today. The former undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State went from perennial practice squadder, bouncing from the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to regular contributor with the Ravens.

Wilcox’s charitable arm, Empowerment M.I.N.D.S. Foundation (Motivating and Inspiring Neighborhoods Determined to Succeed) is to open up the horizons of disadvantaged youth in the inner city. The foundation partners with schools and community based organizations to set up programs to increase youth access to reading materials, technology, and cultural opportunities. Empowerment M.I.N.D.S. will host the third-annual Baltimore Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 15.

Sports Boosters of Maryland was founded in 1950 to support area children’s sports programs. The organization includes a diverse group of members and supporters who share a passion for supporting amateur and professional sports in Maryland, as well as a commitment to using sports to benefit area children. For more information, visit www.sportsboosters.com.