Sept. 20, 2007

Chicago, Ill.- Kicking off the 2007-2008 Hangin' with the Flames season, UIC student-athletes and coaches returned to St. Ann Elementary on Wednesday to conduct a sports clinic and talk to kids about the importance of education and listening to teachers.

In conjunction with the JP2 Newman Foundation on the UIC campus, UIC student-athletes and coaches ran 6th, 7th and 8th-graders through stations including basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and strength/fitness.

In the meantime, other UIC student-athletes visited classrooms with younger students, talking about their busy lives in the classroom and on the field of play. Each St. Ann student went home with a small gift courtesy of UIC Athletics.

"It was another successful community event for the UIC Flames," said Shawn Sullivan, Assistant Athletic Director. "It was great to see 22 UIC student-athletes volunteer their time talking to young people about the collegiate opportunity. We appreciate the support of the JP2 Newman Foundation and St. Ann Elementary. I think it's safe to say we all had a good time."

Teachers or students wishing to have UIC student-athletes, coaches and staff visit their school or community center to host a "Hangin' with the Flames" event should call (312) 355-1330 for more information.

About St. Ann http://www.stanncrusaders.org/.

About the JP2 Newman Foundation http://www.jp2foundation.com/.