UC Helps Cincinnati Youth Tackle More Than Football

Cincinnati area youth will get the chance to play football on the same campus as the UC Bearcats in an annual tournament that means so much more than the game on the field.

The University of Cincinnati Department of Public Safety and UC Athletics will host the

2016 Peace Bowl Classic

youth football tournament at UC’s Sheakley Athletics Center on July 30-31.

UC’s campus will be energized with more than 40 teams of local and national kindergarten through sixth-grade players, supported by their mentors and cheerleaders ––

building bonds as they battle for the ball

in hourly tournament games throughout the weekend.

What began as the “Victory Parkway Bowl” in 1993 –– a fundraiser to benefit youth football programs in several Cincinnati neighborhoods –– evolved to promote peace, nonviolence and harmony between youth. Support for the Peace Bowl gained greater momentum in 2007 after a shooting occurred across from the football tournament.

“While the murder had nothing to do with the Peace Bowl,” says Rev. Peterson Mingo, founder of the Peace Bowl Classic games, “it put an exclamation point on the reasons to have the tournament ––

peace between the communities

.”

Ten years later, the tournament has become instrumental in the effort to build character through football by breaking down geographic and socioeconomic barriers

, now building camaraderie among teams here in Greater Cincinnati and as far away as Cleveland, Michigan and Chicago.

“We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Peace Bowl this year and are excited to bring youth from across the county to the University of Cincinnati,” said Robin Engel, UC’s vice president for Safety and Reform.” This will be the first time many kids will be playing on a collegiate field and visiting a college campus.

"An experience like this not only provides them an opportunity to meet children from other communities and cities, but shows them what learning opportunities exist beyond football so they can aspire to be what they want to be.”

Games will occur from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday

with the last game each day scheduled for 8 p.m.

“We are proud to have the Peace Bowl on campus at the Sheakley Athletics Center,” said Mike Bohn, UC’s Director of Athletics. “It is an honor to be part of this initiative and work with members of our community.  We will be focused on making sure the players have a safe and fulfilling experience and look forward to a great day of youth football.”

The UC Bearcat mascot, along with UCPD’s canine dog Dozer, will be on hand to greet fans and players on Saturday.

Fans and family can enjoy the events for an admission fee of

$5 for adults, $2 for kids 4 to 11

and

FREE for kids three and under

(this does not include parking).

UC Main Campus Parking Information

All proceeds go toward paying sports fees for local kids who couldn’t otherwise afford to play for their schools.

“The Peace Bowl continues to be a yearly event that focuses on youth discipline, determination, training and methods to Stop the Violence’ in the community,” says Mingo.

“This event is a way for our youth to learn to take control of their behavior as well as learn team work and have self-pride.”

As organizing sponsors, UC’s departments of Public Safety and Athletics have designed the “Future Bearcat” T-shirts that each child participating will receive at a presentation ceremony planned for July 30 at 1 p.m.

For more information:

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2016 Peace Bowl Classic

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Peace Bowl Classic Facebook