UGA Athletic Association staff members and student-athletes participated in “First Fridays Family Day” at the East Athens Community Center on Friday evening as part of the “UGA Learn, Play, Excel” program.
 
 
Over 500 people were present at the event, which featured a DJ, inflatables, an ice cream truck, back-to-school haircuts, basketball, and other activities in addition to a catered dinner and a special appearance by Georgia gymnastics head coach Courtney Kupets Carter.
 
 
“It’s a superstar event for all of us to be able to be a part of,” Mary Terry of UGA Track and Field said. “It’s great to be able to give back to the kids of Athens and play with them before they have to go back to school.”
 
 
Tyree Crump and Jordan Harris of Georgia men’s basketball served as referees during the Athens Clarke County Police Department versus Youth basketball game.
 
 
Georgia student-athletes distributed 300 Nike book bags to children in kindergarten through fifth grade to conclude the event.
 
 
Georgia’s “Learn, Play, Excel” program was started as a way for Bulldogs to meet and mentor students about the importance of education, perseverance and pursuing their dreams. This marks the eighth event where Georgia has shared the message.
 
 
Georgia first joined forces with the team of “First Fridays” a year ago and has been working with Broderick Flanigan of Athens to organize the events. “First Fridays fits really well with the Learn, Play, Excel program at Georgia and we’re glad to have them jump on,” Flanigan said.
 
 
The following student-athletes were in attendance:
 
 
John Courson (football), Tyree Crump (men’s basketball), Patrick Humphreys (men’s swimming & diving), Jordan Harris (men’s basketball), Alijah Johnson (women’s track & field), Madison McPherson (gymnastics), Chanice Porter (women’s track & field), Macaiah Ransby (women’s track & field), Mary Terry (women’s track & field).