May 3, 2018

HOUSTON, TX - My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Houston, a program of the Houston Health Department, and the Houston Health Foundation bring Team Up – an initiative that introduces youth to off-the-field career opportunities in sports – to the Houston Marathon Committee.

“The Texas Children’s Hospital Woodlands Family Fun Run on Saturday, May 5 will give young men the opportunity to join their Houston Marathon Committee staff mentors to gain hands-on experience. Based on their interests, students will team up with the emergency preparedness team, the Texas Children’s Hospital medical team and other staff to offer operational and motivational support.

“The Houston Marathon Committee is excited to be one of the first partners in the Team Up initiative,” said Ally Walker, senior manager of Houston Marathon Foundation Community Development. “Our participation in this initiative builds upon our commitment to the Houston-area community and we look forward to providing these youth with meaningful experiences that have the potential to impact their current and future life decisions.”.

The Houston Marathon Foundation and Sugar Land Skeeters, another Team Up partner, previously participated in three “Discovery Days” with youth from the Fifth Ward Enrichment Program. During these events, high school age young men gained a deeper understanding of the staff responsibilities required to produce Houston Marathon Foundation events and Sugar Land Skeeters games.

Team Up is facilitated by My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), an initiative of the Houston Health Department that works to increase opportunities and close disparity gaps among youth of color.

Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic municipal consultancy, is advising Team Up and partner organizations to conceptualize the initiative and provide ongoing strategic support.

“Bloomberg Associates is excited to foster this partnership to draw connections between the sports world and youth in underserved communities. Too often, youth are motivated by professional athletes and never get the opportunity to see the world beyond the players,” said Mike Hopper of Bloomberg Associates. “We have enjoyed working with our partners on the ground in Houston to bring this opportunity to young people who otherwise may not have received this exposure.”