Pro athletes & valley high school athletes honored at annual Sports Heroes luncheon
The annual "Sports Heroes Luncheon" honored pro athletes and some outstanding valley high school athletes.
For more than 50 years, the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley has provided services to local children.
In fact this year, the organization is supporting more than 6,500 children.
The theme this year for the luncheon was "Changing Lives: The Power of Sports."
"Now that changed my life, the person I am today is all because that relationship with the boys club," said Evander Holyfield.
Evan Holyfield, a four time world heavyweight boxing champion, was one of the guest speakers shared his experience as a former Boys and Girls Club member.
“The message is that the boys club is the safe heaven that people need," said Holyfield.
Holyfield said his experience at the club taught his a few things.
“I used to play football at home and we would just throw the ball up and run anyway you want to," said Holyfield. "Now, you find out that there are rules and regulations."
“When you have the best team that enables us to build a best product," said Quinton Egson.
Quinton Egson, President of the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley, talked about why this luncheon is so important.
“We get a chance to keep our doors opened to provide services in some much need areas such as Mecca, Coachella, Indio, and believe it or not La Quinta," said Egson. "Secondly, it allows us the ability to feed kids everyday.”
Mauricio Miranda is just one of the four outstanding valley high school athletes who continues to benefit from time spent at the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley.
He shared his favorite memory.
“When I had a talk with one of the staff members there, we had lunch and we talked about life and that impacted me," said Miranda.
Miranda said he picked up a skill he uses on the soccer field.
“Being a multitasker its helps so much because you’re doing so many things at the same time," said Miranda.
And a message for those who have put in efforts raising money to help the organization provide services for local children.
“Thank you very much because it really helps everybody," said Miranda.
