Jets Flight Crew Visit the 2009 Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Gridiron Games
From left to right Laura V (vet), Mandisa (vet), Jacqueline (rookie), and Anne-Marie (vet)
All photos were provided by Frank Rocco Photography
It was a rainy and cold Saturday at the Meadowlands Giants/Jets Stadium, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the hundreds of area children who came out to play in this year’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Gridiron Games. The Gridiron Games is an annual event hosting all the NYC metropolitan area Big Brothers and Big Sisters – including the children they mentor.
For some of the “Littles,” this the first time they have ever left their usual urban surroundings. For many, they have never even visited a professional sports stadium – let alone have an opportunity to actually play on the field at the venue. Activities for the children included participating in various flag football tournaments and drills, playing at the “Jets Fest” (a remote play area set-up by the Jets personnel), and touring the NFL players’ locker room.
Anne-Marie leads the warm-ups
This year, the Jets Flight Crew got things started by leading the warm-ups for all the participants (that included the adults supervising and refereeing). After the national anthem was sung, Flight Crew cheerleaders taught sideline routines – as well as cheered on the numerous games played by the kids ranging in age from 6-18. Once the kids were taken up to the Press Box for a birds-eye view of the stadium, they heard motivational speeches from the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and former New York Giants player Billy Taylor. Kids were also treated to an appearance from former New Orleans Saints tight end Cuncho Brown. The Flight Crew rounded out their day with a crowd pleasing hip-hop routine. The highlight of this session was a participant asking Commissioner Goodell, “Why do the Jets have cheerleaders and the Giants don’t have any?”
The Flight Crew Performs
The Flight Crew was also on hand to meet and greet the sponsored section of the games, which included lawyers playing in the afternoon football tournament that helped raise almost $200,000 for the area charity.
According to Gridiron Games chairman, James Rapp, “The cheerleaders have been such a great addition to the games since their first appearance last year. We look forward to having them be a part of this event annually.”
Flight Crew with Princess Agra
A big thanks to former Washington Redskins Cheerleader Princess Agra, who’s a sports marketing executive in NYC, for supplying us with this story and the photos.
More photos all courtesy of Frank Rocco Photography
Flight Crew Cheers
Flight Crew Performs
Flight Crew Performs
Stretching with Jacqueline
Warming up with Laura V.
Anne-Marie teaches
Jacqueline teaches
