More than 100 Bennett-Kew Elementary School second- and third-graders cheered and jumped with excitement when they received new bikes from the Los Angeles Chargers and Bikes for Kids Foundation during a Dec. 10 surprise event that included Inglewood’s mayor and Inglewood Unified’s top administrator.
“I’m happy and excited that I got a new bike,” Bennett-Kew third-grader Delon Twiman said. “Thanks to the Chargers!”
Twiman was one of five students among second- and third-graders who won an essay contest about the District’s “Every Student. Every Day” attendance campaign and how excellent attendance will help him reach his dreams of becoming a doctor and football player.
Students had thought that only the essay winners would receive bikes, but in an exciting curtain-reveal, the Chargers players and cheerleaders surprised all the students with neon-colored bikes, helmets and locks.
“Boys and girls, let me tell you that the most important thing you can do is learn to read and write well,” Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. said. “No matter what you decide to do in life, seize every opportunity to do well.”
Butts joined Chargers defensive ends Joey Bosa and Isaac Rochell, defensive tackle Justin Jones, linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and placekicker Michael Badgley at the special assembly. The players took turns reading the winning essays and congratulated all the students for their hard work.
The bicycles were donated by the Chargers and their corporate partner, California Resources Corp. Bikes for Kids Foundation has partnered with the Chargers for 15 years to help provide new bikes to deserving students across Los Angeles.
Inglewood Unified County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres lauded the Chargers, a District partner, and Bikes for Kids for their generosity.
“I’d like to thank the Chargers and Bikes for Kids for their dedication to our students,” Torres said. “Our community partnerships, including our wonderful association with the Chargers, make a world of difference in the lives of our students and their families. Efforts like these help to support our mission to provide students with the tools they need to succeed as they pursue their goals.”