COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Buckeye wide receivers Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss surprised ten kids with OSULiFEsports to an evening of shopping. The group received $150 gift cards from DICK’S Sporting Goods to spend at their Dublin location.
“Seeing all the smiles on the kids’ faces, it reminded me of when I was younger,” said Inniss. “They love seeing people that they look up to, and helping the kids get some stuff is pretty cool.”
The pair helped the kids track down gear to prepare them for the upcoming school year like shoes, backpacks, water bottles, and sports gear.
“It’s always important to give back it shows the kids that they can do anything and everything they put their mind to,” said Tate.
The receivers even imparted advice to young pass-catchers like Mathias Peterson such as staying on the ball and playing confidently.
“It meant a lot to me because I got to meet a football player that plays for OSU, and he talked to me all the whole time,” said Peterson.
Inniss even paid the difference when Mathias went to check out. While the children went home with new gear, the time spent with the Buckeyes was truly priceless.
“They’re taking their time to invest in our city and our youth. It’s needed especially for our young boys,” said Jessica Person, Mathais’ mother. “We really need voices, and we really need an example, so the fact that they came out and gave their time and sowed into my boys, sowed into all the kids, it means so much to me.”
LiFEsports has five local chapters serving more than 700 kids. The program is focused on teaching kids life skills through sport with their four main pillars; self-control, effort, teamwork, and social responsibility.
“I see how LifeSports is pushing my sons to want more. He’s [Mathias] getting up in the morning, he’s going running; I’m seeing how it’s having a snowball effect on so many things, and the fact that they brought out Ohio State players here, I think that’s amazing. I’m forever grateful,” said Peterson.