I have been writing the “Bull Pen” articles since January of this year to raise awareness about the Beltsville-Adelphi Boys and Girls Club as well as to talk about the importance of sports for children and youth. This month, instead of writing about the reasons to play sports, I want to introduce you to a real hometown inspiration. Dior Ginyard grew up in Beltsville playing football and to a lesser extent basketball. He graduated from High Point High School in 2006 and went on to play football at Frostburg State University where a career-ending injury halted his dreams of becoming a professional football player. However, that didn’t stop Ginyard. He found another way to enjoy the game and help others by eventually going to work for the NFL Players Association where he is currently a senior player-manager in Players Affairs. Ginyard stated, “most fans see the player, I have the unique opportunity to get to know the person behind the helmet, and really help them with what matters most - and that's the long life they have to live once their NFL careers are over.” Yes, he has worked with all 32 NFL teams! His favorite story to date is when he assisted a young Jacksonville Jaguars player who wanted to get some professional experience in athletic administration. Ginyard set him up with an internship at the University of Maryland's athletic department during the NFL offseason. Long story short, that player’s NFL career ended the next year, but because he had that internship under his belt, he was able to land a full-time position working in athletic administration. That was 4 years ago, the former Jaguar now works as the Director of Player Engagement for the Los Angeles Rams and credits the time that Ginyard spent working with him during the offseason as the catalyst for him landing what he now calls his "dream job." Ginyard has a Bachelor’s in Communications from Bowie State and a Master’s in Marketing Management from the University of Maryland University College. He founded the Brown Bag Project in 2013 to provide food and resources to those in need in the Washington Metro-Region. Ginyard has been the recipient of many accolades including Washington Business Journal 2018 40 Under 40, Forbes 2018 30 Under 30: Sports, DMV 2015 Top 30 Under 30, and HBCU 2014 Top 30 Under 30, just to name a few. When asked why sports are important for children and youth, Ginyard responded: “I think sports are important for children and youth mainly because of the skills it teaches kids from both a physical and relational perspective. From a physical standpoint, sports at a young age teaches kids about what an active and healthy lifestyle looks like and allows them to adopt the necessary habits that are needed to maintain that way of living. From a relational perspective, sports teach kids the attitude and skills needed as it relates to engaging with peers.” Ginyard’s story of perseverance, success, and accomplishments shows that winning doesn’t have to stop on the field but rather can continue on thanks to the life-long skills sports teaches you.
Speaking of sports, when you start hearing “Take me out to the ballpark...” it means only one thing, baseball season has arrived. This year the club has a new baseball commissioner Sheila Montano. Also, new this spring season is intramural t-ball for ages 4-6. Competitive baseball is also being offered for ages 8U-18U. While baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, the world’s most popular sport is soccer (known to the rest of the world as football). So, even though the next World Cups isn’t until 2022, the Bulls Spring soccer is ready to go! A pee-wee soccer clinic is being offered for ages 4-6 as well as competitive soccer for ages 8U-14U. The club has sprit (yes, we do) with both a Sr. Cheer Squad ages 10-16 and a Jr. Cheer Squad ages 4-9. Last, but certainly not least, is spring flag football. I can say that because I have a son who plays baseball and a son who plays football. Flag football is an excellent introduction to the sport for those new to the game as well as a great way to prepare for fall tackle football. Both football seasons are open to ages 5-14. All spring sports are co-ed and are open for registration. As promised, an update on the winter basketball season would be provided this month, and I am happy to report the Bulls 13U team has made it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, due to the timing of the article submission, I am unable to announce the results of the tournament. Here’s hoping the Bulls basketball program brings home another championship! To register or learn more about the Bulls’ sports programs, go online to www.beltsvilleadelphi.siplay.com.
If you would like to make a monetary donation (no amount is too small), checks can be made out to the Beltsville Adelphi Boys & Girls Club and mailed to 11705 Roby Ave, Beltsville, MD 20705. This is a 501(c)3 organization, so donations are tax deductible. Finally, questions, suggestions, and coaching inquiries are always welcome! Please contact Club Athletic Director Rian Jackson at jackson_rian@hotmail.com or 301.693.6395. Go Bulls!!! And Join The Stampede!!!
Photo Caption: Dior Ginyard, High Point high school Class of ’06, Sr. Mgr. for NFL Players Association