Ravens Host TriRavens Tournament for 2011 Hometown Huddle
When children from Federal Hill Preparatory School entered M&T Bank Stadium on Tuesday (10/18), they stepped into a scene straight from the popular children's series Harry Potter. With magical music playing in the background and the field covered in Harry Potter-themed challenges, the stadium was transformed into 'The Wizarding World of M&T Bank Stadium' for the first ever TriRavens Tournament.
As part of the 2011NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle, the TriRavens Tournament featured challenges that integrated educational programming and physical activity in conjunction with Play 60, the NFL movement for an active generation. The NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle is a league-wide day of service designed to bring awareness and impact to the issue of youth health and fitness.
Just like in the book, students were assigned to teams, such as the 'Vontamorts' and 'Ravenclaw,' using a sorting hat. Ravens cheerleaders, mascot Poe and volunteers gave each child an athlete's welcome as their names were announced and they ran to their teams.
During the tournament, each team participated in challenges such as 'Broom Hockey,' 'Dragon Egg Challenge,' 'Kickball,' and 'Quidditch'. Players including running back Damien Berry, cornerbacks Chykie Brown and Cary Williams, wide receivers Tandon Doss and Torrey Smith, center Andre Gurode, defensive tackle Bryan Hall and fullback Vonta Leach participated in the challenges alongside the students.
At the end of the tournament, the school received a trophy for their participation in the TriRavens Tournament and the winning team was awarded the complete Harry Potter book series. Each student also received shoes donated by Under Armour, a special TriRavens Tournament backpack filled with healthy snacks donated by United Way of Central Maryland and a Ravens water bottle. After the tournament, a celebratory lunch was held at the stadium.
