The Ravens extended an exclusive invitation to more than 35 Baltimore-area groups to join the team during this season's training camp practices at the Under Amour Performance Center.
These practices give the team an opportunity to show their appreciation and support to military, local charitable organizations and individuals and their families who may be going through a tough time.
As the groups arrived each day, you could sense the excitement from everyone. They were greeted upon arrival by the Ravens community relations department and were given the rules of the day, with the No. 1 Rule – Have Fun!
Next, the groups were escorted to tented bleacher seating alongside the football fields where they could relax and enjoy watching their Ravens practice. With rosters in hand, you could hear those among the groups calling out the numbers of their favorite players and guessing out loud the answers to some Ravens trivia.
Shortly before practice ended, staff huddled the groups together and took them to the autograph area. You can imagine the shock and surprise as practice ended and all the Ravens players walked off the field towards the groups for meet-and-greet sessions. There were autographs, photos, hugs, handshakes and lots of smiles and laughter as the players mingled with the groups each day.
Among those who attended practice were youth groups from the Police Athletic League, Boys and Girls Club, Casey Cares Foundation, Athletes Serving Athletes, Ronald McDonald House and athletes from Special Olympics Maryland.
The Ravens also hosted Wounded Warriors, members of the MD National Guard and youth from Aberdeen Proving Ground, whose parents currently serve in the military.
Even a few of the Ravens' charitable partners were able to join the team for training camp practice, including Boys Hope Girls Hope, St. Vincent's Villa and My Sister's Circle.
These unforgettable training camp days were full of fun and football and will continue to be and inspiration to the team as they begin the 2013 season.
