Looking Back
Over the last 12 months, Power of Sports has traveled across Oklahoma City, telling inspiring stories of coaches and student-athletes in the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) school district whose lives have been impacted by athletic facility projects built and maintained by Fields & Futures.
This month, we’re looking back on those stories and featuring our favorite moments in a special “Best Of” episode.
Season 2, Show 5 – A Family on the Field
In this segment, we visited Capitol Hill High School to hear the incredible story of high school senior Za’Quabiain Harris. Quay lives on his own in a youth shelter. But through the game of football, Quay has found coaches and teammates to support him through his journey.
Despite his unenviable situation, Za’Quabiain Harris carried a 3.7 GPA and received offers to play college football. His family on the field couldn’t be prouder.
Season 2, Show 6 – On the Right Track
In February, we introduced the world to cross country student-athlete Issa Amfa. Being an Ethiopian immigrant, Issa sought inclusion and acceptance in a new setting. He found it through the track and field program at Northwest Classen High School.
Thanks to support from organizations like Fields & Futures, the culture in athletic departments across OKCPS is changing. For Issa, it has made a profound impact on his future.
Season 2, Show 8 – Reviving a Legacy
Eight months into the season, we visited South East High School (SEHS). Forty years ago, SEHS was known for producing MLB-level talent, but for the last three decades, SEHS students did not have adequate fields to play on.
In 2018, after nearly 30 years of neglect, Fields & Futures teamed up with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and Group1001 to build SEHS state-of-the-art fields that will last for years.
Season 2, Show 9 – Play it Forward
In May, we met Josh Garcia, an alumnus of US Grant High School and professional soccer player for the OKC Energy FC. Josh used to skip class and hang out with the wrong crowd until he found soccer. The pitch granted Garcia an opportunity to receive higher education.
Alongside organizations like Fields & Futures, Josh is showing young players what’s possible when they find a team that inspires them to graduate high school and score a college degree.
On the many playing fields rehabilitated and maintained by Fields & Futures, young men and women are able to learn invaluable life lessons and receive the guidance, mentorship, and positive influences missing from their lives.
These are just a few of the many inspiring stories we have had the honor of telling over Season 2 of Power of Sports.
To learn more and find out how you can help, please visit FieldsandFutures.org or email info@fieldsandfutures.org.
