“For guys like myself and a few my teammates, sports activities saved our lives,” mentioned Daryl Stonum, with the Duke Metropolis Gladiators.
Stonum, who grew up in a tough a part of Houston, mentioned he wouldn’t be the place he’s right this moment if not for soccer.
“It was straightforward to show my again on faculty and sports activities and take a path down a lifetime of crime. A foul neighborhood, I may’ve accomplished medicine. I may’ve accomplished all forms of bother,” he mentioned.
Stonum mentioned soccer created all types of alternatives for him. He obtained two levels, has performed for the Chiefs within the NFL, and is now the huge obtain for the Duke Metropolis Gladiators.
“When you have no sports activities, what are these children going to do? What are they going to show to?” Stonum mentioned.
The Gladiators joined the group of APS college students, dad and mom and coaches earlier this week for a “Let Them Play” protest outdoors APS headquarters. Nevertheless, the Gladiators even have one other struggle on their fingers.
“At league conferences we determined to push the season again so far as we may,” mentioned Gina Thomas, proprietor of the Duke Metropolis Gladiators.
Thomas mentioned the group’s first dwelling recreation is scheduled for the top of Could, and that their hope is to play in entrance of followers at Tingley Coliseum.
Below the state’s latest red-to-turquoise plan, sports activities venues can permit 25% indoor capability when a county has reached stage inexperienced. Within the turquoise stage, capability jumps to 33% indoors.
“We plan to carry these gamers in, we plan to play in no matter capability that we are able to,” Thomas mentioned.
Within the meantime, the Gladiators will proceed placing stress on state schooling leaders to let APS athletes take part in sports activities.
“And it is really scary to consider what my life may’ve been with out sports activities. And that is what we’re forcing these children to consider: a life with out sports activities,” Stonum mentioned.
