to view the 2011 c.a.t.e. packet

The Amobi Okoye Foundation, Inc.
C.A.T.E. Information Packet
March 11th- 24th 2011
The Amobi Okoye Foundation, Inc.
C.A.T.E
Programs
(Past and Present)
•Kick-Off 4 Kids; Physical
Activity Camp- To teach children
the fundamentals and techniques of
American Football while promoting
physical activity
•Youth Soccer Sponsorship- In
conjunction with Nike, Inc we
sponsored the Enugu Rangers,
outfitting them with all the proper
equipment needed to play soccer.
•Water Program- Oversaw the
completion of water wells in one of
many villages in dire need of clean
water.
•Medical Clinic- The Amobi Okoye
Foundation, Inc. partnered with
medical bridges, Inc. and ACCI
(African Cancer Care Inc. to
provide free medical equipment and
cancer clinics during the C.A.T.E.
trip. A 40 ft container of medical
equipment was distributed to three
states in Nigeria including Lagos,
Delta & Anambra States. Free
cancer screening, education and
treatment of regular illnesses was
carried out by a team of 17 medical
professionals from ACCI. Some free
surgeries were also performed in
Warri Delta state. ACCI also hosted
workshops on train-the-trainers
programs in cancer awareness
• Yo u t h S o c c e r O u t r e a c h
Program- As part of the camp the
youths were taught the proper ways
of how to play soccer. The youth
were shown drills, exercises,
scrimmages, and group talks.
•Books Abroad- In partnership with
Katy Rotary and KISD, the Amobi
Okoye Foundation distributed a 40ft
container filled with books and
school supplies.
The Amobi Okoye Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2007 by Houston
Texan defensive linemen Amobi Okoye. The Foundation’s mission is to provide
hope and opportunity to kids and communities around the world. Amobi entered
high school at the young age of twelve and he distinguished himself both
athletically and scholastically. He then graduated Lee High School in Huntsville,
Alabama at fifteen. Amobi’s academic prowess was evident to all; he was offered
a scholarship to Harvard University, which he turned down in lieu of a football
scholarship to the University of Louisville. After four football seasons and three
and half years of study, he graduated with a degree in psychology, and became the
youngest player to ever be drafted into the NFL at nineteen. Amobi has a passion
to help children by giving them a hope and a future and letting them know they
can achieve great things. Amobi is equally passionate about seeing communities
transformed. He believes that through partnership and collaboration we can see
the inner cities of America renewed, and impoverished nations enriched.
What is C.A.T.E.?
C.A.T.E. (Changing Africa Through Education) is the international
program of the Amobi Okoye Foundation, Inc. Athletes, especially those of
African descent visit Africa every year to do charity work in the continent.
The Amobi Okoye Foundation has made three trips to Africa under
C.A.T.E. with the ultimate goal of establishing the game of American football in
Africa, starting with Nigeria. This goal is to be achieved through our partnerships
with these organizations, USA Football and IFAF (International Federation of
American Football). The Amobi Okoye Foundation,Inc. furthers this goal with a
proposal to build a prep school that will excel in academics as well as sports. (The
C.A.T.E Prep Academy of Learning and Sports)This will offer all of the
summer Olympic sports especially American football.
The Amobi Okoye Foundation, Inc established this mission trip to Africa
as a means of providing professional athletes and entertainers the opportunity to
give back to global communities at large. These professional athletes and
entertainers collaboratively work throughout the trip to help improve living
conditions while providing an opportunity for a better future for the
underprivileged. The purpose of C.A.T.E. is to minimize inequalities by
maximizing opportunities. Through this annual trip the advancement and
sustainability of introducing American Football will be promoted. Listed to the
left are some of the past, present and future community philanthropic/commitment
efforts by the Amobi Okoye foundation with some of its partners and sponsors.
2011 Programs & Sponsors
Train-the-Trainer Camp- A 3-day camp with coaches from the U.S coaching
the coaches in Africa.
Medical Clinic- The Amobi Okoye Foundation, Inc. along with the ACCI
(African Cancer Care Inc. will provide free medical cancer clinics during the
2011 C.A.T.E. trip. ACCI will also host workshops on train-the-trainers
programs in cancer awareness
Books Abroad- In partnership with the Houston Independent School District
(HISD) and the Katy Rotaraty Club , the Amobi Okoye Foundation will
distribute three 40ft containers filled with books and school supplies.
Kick-Off 4 Kids; Physical Activity Camp- 2 camps to teach children the
fundamentals and techniques of American Football while promoting physical
activity.
Kick-Off 4 Kids: Scholarship Recipient - One of 3 Recipients of the Amobi
Okoye Foundation U.S.A based scholarship will join the C.A.T.E team on the trip
as the winner of the best written essay paper on, “How Africa influences the
Global economy in the category of Sports”
Outstanding Performances!
Curtis Bailey is our 2010 Volunteer
Intern of the year and will be attending
the trip along with one of our $10,000
Kick-Off 4 Kids scholarship recipients.
Johnny Pena from Jack Yates High
attended University of Houston &
Gavin Burks from Lee High attended
Alabama A & M
C.A.T.E Scholarship
AIM: To help in sponsoring the education of gifted but indigent students at the university level. In 2008 a
meeting with the National Universities Commission (NUC) was held to start a scholarship program that will
provide a one-year full academic and athletic scholarships to deserving young men and women preparing to
attend university.
2009: CATE Scholarships were awarded to 28 Nigerian Student-Athletes. These athletes were Gold medal
finalists of non-team events from the Nigeria Universities Games Association (NUGA) sports competition,
which is an annual Nigerian College Olympics.
2010: 15 academic scholarships were given, 5 each to The University of Lagos, Delta State University and
University of Abuja. These were the top 5 students with the best G.P.A and recommendations from their
lecturers in rural high school in each of these state colleges.
Criteria
Academic Scholarship (Temporary): For First, Second, Third and Fourth year university students. Governed
by a Board of Directors consisting of some of the athletes on this trip, certain members of the National
Universities Commission (NUC), and certain members of the United Bank of Africa (UBA)
Academic Scholarship: (Criteria)
MUST be bona fide students of a Nigerian university at the time of application
MUST submit essays on a chosen topical issue and the best submission shall be shortlisted.
Shall also provide a personal statement that should compulsorily provide information on candidate’s career
plan and proof of need for the scholarship.
Shall forward a duly signed recommendation, preferably from applicants lecturer, and
MUST have a minimum G.P.A of 3.0 proof of which shall be provided in an academic transcript from his/her
University/High School (Secondary School).
Athletic Scholarship: Strictly for sportsmen and women in non-team events from the Nigerian Universities
Games Association (NUGA) sports competition.
Athletic Scholarship:
Applicant MUST be a bona fide student of a Nigerian University and must have verifiable proof of this.
Applicant MUST be a first place winner in one of the non-team events.
FIELD OF STUDY: ANY 2011 Participants
Amobi Okoye
Amobi Okoye is not just an athlete but excels in academics, at the age of
15; Okoye was offered an academic scholarship to Harvard University,
which he turned down because he wanted to play top-level football at a
University prominent in academics as well as their football program. He
instead chose to attend the University of Louisville where he majored in
Psychology, completing his degree in three and a half years. At 16, he
became the youngest player in the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA), one of the first true freshmen to earn playing time.
Okoye garnered Associated Press Second-Team All American honors and
first-team All-Big East honors and as the NCAA’s youngest senior at 19
years old. On April 28, 2007 Amobi Okoye made history as he was
drafted by the Houston Texans as the 10th overall pick of the 2007 NFL
draft. He is the youngest player to ever be drafted in the first round of the
NFL Draft at only 19 years old, the first to accomplish such a feat. He is
the highest draft pick to come out of the University of Louisville in
history.
On July 26th 2007, Okoye signed a five year deal with
the Texans, which allowed him to begin training camp
with his new teammates the next day. He started his first
NFL game on September 9th 2007. This day, he became
the youngest player to ever appear in an NFL game. As if
that wasn’t enough, he was named Defensive Rookie of
the Month for September 2007, making him the
youngest player to ever receive that award. Okoye
finished his season with an impressive 32 tackles and 5.5
sacks, also a rookie record, giving him a solid first
season.
Amobi Okoye is a man with
many talents. These talents
have made him an
invaluable addition to the Houston Texans and an irreplaceable member of
his society. The current 23 year old, in his few years as a professional
football player, has used his success to give back to his community through
several different outreach programs. One such program is, Kick-off for
Kicks; a serious of youth centered activities that uses athletics and
academics to provide motivation to youth, fostering self-esteem, academics
and inspiration.
Okoye has always felt his success was not meant for him alone, saying, “I
made a decision to establish a vehicle to use this greater voice that was
given to me to make a real difference.” The Amobi Okoye Foundation has
become that vehicle of change. Under the foundation are three main
programs: Kick-off for Kids, Tackle Hunger, and C.A.T.E (Changing Africa
Through Education).
James “Diggs” Ihedigbo
James “Diggs” Ihedigbo (#44), a 26-year old defensive back for the New York Jets, joined
the team in 2007 as a rookie free agent. Prior to joining the Jets, he attended Amherst
Regional HS (Mass) and the University of Massachusetts. Known for his intensity and
passion on the field, Ihedigbo is widely respected as a leader and influencer among his
teammates. His skills of leadership and influence also extend into his global humanitarian
work to benefit people in distress across the world. A proud Nigerian-American, Ihedigbo,
through his HOPE Africa foundation, brings, support, awareness, and assistance to
charitable causes in the U.S., Nigeria, and most recently, Haiti.
As a New York Jet, Ihedigbo continues to forge a name for himself as one of the NFL’s top
special teams players. He has proven himself to be a valuable addition to the defense as he
brings versatility and a unique skill set to the Jets defensive secondary. He has garnered
attention as a tenacious blitzer off the edge in multiple defensive packages. “Diggs”, as his
teammates call him, has come a long way since he began his NFL career as a walk-on free agent with the Jets
after a 3-day rookie mini-camp in 2007.
Since that time, by sheer will, hard work, and determination, he has built a name for
himself as not only one of the game's hardest-hitting safeties, but also as one of the
hardest working ones as well. The powerful NFL veteran defensive back got his start on
the turf early on at Amherst Regional High School Massachusetts where he built a
name for himself through hard work and discipline. After graduation from Amherst, he
attended U Mass, where he built impressive game stats and a reputation as a great
leader – in fact, he became team captain in his senior year.
Ihedigbo first appeared on the radar of the national scene as a very athletic highschooler who was not only naturally gifted in lacrosse, track, and basketball (earning
all-county honors on the hardwood), but excelled on his football team at Amherst
Regional High School.
His leadership and influence led to him being voted as team captain his senior year, and
his discipline, strength, and athleticism led to his uncommon early career stats: he rushed for 1,012 yards, totaled
more than 2000 all-purpose yards, 18 touchdowns, being named defensive MVP and being a two-time AllWestern Massachusetts and All-League selection, and was named team defensive MVP.
The University of Massachusetts
In honor of his father, Ihedigbo chose to attend the University of Massachusetts,
the place where his father studied and worked. Entering U Mass as a freshman in
2002, traces of what this talented power athlete’s career success would soon
become were evident. As a top defensive back, he received the award for being the
most improved player.
Diggs was named Walter Camp All-American, College Sporting News All-Star
and All-Atlantic-10 first-team DB by the New England Football Writers
Association after his senior season. During his career with the Minutemen, he
recorded 251 tackles (165 solo), 12.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, and 19 PD’s.
Frank Okam
Franklin Nonyelu Okam, Jr. born October 16, 1985 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas is an American
football defensive tackle who is currently a member of the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of
the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.
Early Years
Okam attended Lake Highlands High School where he played football,
basketball, and track & field along with holding a 3.9 GPA. As a senior at
Lake Highlands, Okam achieved a 345 lb. bench max, 500 lb. squat
max, 29 inch vertical, and an impressive 4.9 40-yard dash for a man of his size. He
weighed in at 300 pounds on a 6'5" frame. Okam was highly recruited as the second ranked
defensive tackle in the nation. Okam received scholarship offers from Florida, Oklahoma,
Oklahoma State, and Stanford among other universities. He played in the U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl and the Oil Bowl in which he got Defensive MVP following his senior season.
College Career
Okam contributed immediately as a true freshman, earning firstteam Freshman All-America honors from Sporting News.
As a sophomore, he started all 13 games and earned secondteam All-Big 12 honors from the league's coaches. He made two
tackles, including his first sack of the season, in Texas' 41-38
victory over USC for the 2005-06 National Championship.
As a junior, he started 11 games and earned honorable mention
All-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press, and he made the
2006 ESPN first-team All-American squad.[1]
In their 2007 season preview magazine, CBS Sportsline.com said, “Frank Okam should be
one of the top players in the country” during his senior season with the 2007 Texas
Longhorn football team.
Professional Career
Houston Texans
Okam was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round (151st
overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. He was waived on October 25, 2010.
Okam signed with the Seattle Seahawks on November 2nd, 2010. He
was cut shortly thereafter. Tampa Bay signed Okam as a free agent
after he was cut by the Seattle Seahawks.
Connor Barwin
Connor Barwin born October 15, 1986 in Southfield, Michigan is an
American football defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National
Football League. He was drafted by the Texans in the second round of the
2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati and majored in
Secondary Education.
Early Years
Barwin attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. As a senior
he was an All-state selection and earned All-League, All-Catholic, and
All-District honors. He was also an All-League selection in basketball as a
junior and All-Catholic as a senior.
College Career
Barwin played college football at the University of Cincinnati. As a
freshman in 2005 Barwin played in all 11 games as a backup tight end
finishing with eight receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown. In
early January he joined the basketball team playing in 16 games as a
backup forward.
As a sophomore in 2006, Barwin played in all 13 games as a regular on
special teams and a as a backup tight end. He finished the season with
13 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He also played in 23
games for the basketball team, after joining the team as a walk-on. As
a junior in 2007, Barwin played special teams, as well as a backup tight
end, playing in 12 games. He caught 31 passes for 399 yards, and two
touchdowns.
In 2008 Barwin was moved to defensive end. He finished the season with
53 tackles, and a Big East and team-leading 12 sacks. He also had 20
quarterback pressures, eight pass deflections, three fumble recoveries,
and three blocked kicks. His play helped him earn First-team All-Big East
honors honorable mention All-America as well as the Claude Rost Award,
which is given to the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Barwin finished his college career with 16 starts in 51 games (14 at
defensive end, one at tight end, one at H-Back) recording 66 tackles, 12
sacks, three fumble recoveries, eight deflected passes, five blocked kicks,
and 53 receptions for 692 yards and six touchdowns.
Professional Career
Barwin ran a 4.47-second 40-time at his Pro Day according to the
University of Cincinnati's timer. He was drafted by the Houston
Texans in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. On October 18,
2009 Barwin recorded his first NFL sack against the Cincinnati
Bengals Carson Palmer. Barwin's 2010 season was cut extremely
short when he left the Texans' 2010 opener against the
Indianapolis Colts with an ankle injury and was announced out for
the season that Monday.
Vernon Gholston
Gholston redshirted in 2005 after suffering a broken left hand in the season
opener. In his freshman season he played defensive end, though recruited
as a linebacker. He eventually moved up to the number 2 spot behind Mike
Kudla.
In 2006 he earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors from both the league's
coaches and the media while starting 13 games. Gholston had 49 tackles
and his 18 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, which led the team,
included 7.5 quarterback sacks, ranked second on the team. He also
intercepted his first pass in the win over Bowling Green.
On November 3, 2007, Gholston tied two Ohio State team records for
quarterback sacks in a game when he dropped Wisconsin quarterback
Tyler Donovan four times for a total loss of 32 yards. Two weeks later
he recorded three sacks against the Michigan Wolverines to lead Ohio
State to its fourth consecutive win over the Wolverines. During the
2007 season Gholston recorded 37 tackles (15.5 for a loss) and set a
school record with 14.5 sacks in 13 games, breaking the former record
of 13 sacks in a single season set in 1995 by Mike Vrabel. He was
named All-America by Pro Football Weekly and was First-team All-Big
Ten.
During his tenure at Ohio State, Gholston started 25 games. He finished
with 87 tackles (47 solo) and 30.5 stops for a loss. He also had 21.5
sacks, which ranks fifth in school history.
Gholston was drafted by the New York Jets sixth overall in the 2008
NFL Draft. He was expected to play outside linebacker in the Jets' 3-4
defense with the Jets citing his speed, strength and “long limbs,”
believing they had found the perfect outside pass rusher for their
defense. Gholston agreed to terms on a 5-year deal with the Jets on
July 24, 2008.
However, Gholston did not play much his rookie season after being
expected to start. He saw time mainly on special teams, totalling 13
tackles, 5 solo. In his second year, Gholston was mostly a minor
contributor under new coach Rex Ryan's defense. During the 2009 season, he tallied 17 tackles (12
solo and 2 tackles for loss). Following the 2009 season, Gholston converted from outside linebacker
to his more-familiar defensive end position.
Photos from the past...
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