Niners cornerback Dre’ Bly on giving back to schools
By: Will Reisman
Examiner Staff Writer
September 22, 2009
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| Dre’ Bly |
The 49ers cornerback and two-time Pro Bowl selection will team up with Boost Mobile today to announce that the wireless company will donate $5,000 to the Dre’ Bly Foundation, a program set up by the player to help improve physical education programs at city schools.
What prompted you to start the Dre’ Bly Foundation? Both my mother and father were teachers, and I majored in physical education, so having a chance to help city schools improve their programs was something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to make a difference ... it’s been a real neat experience.
What has been the most rewarding part of the foundation? It’s been amazing to see these kids get the resources they need to succeed athletically. I just tell them that it’s going to be a long journey, but if you work hard enough, anything is possible.
Did you have any similar sort of program growing up in Virginia? I didn’t have anything like this, and I think that was a major motivating factor to start the foundation. There weren’t any real sports role models from my area who gave back. I know how kids really look up to athletes, and I know we have a chance to make a real positive impact.
How did you connect with Boost Mobile for this donation? Well, we’re both new to the area, and we thought it would be a great way to reach out to the community and introduce ourselves. It’s our way of reaching out together.
