Brown Athletics Celebrates 28th Annual Vartan Gregorian School Kickoff

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown athletics celebrated its 28^th annual Vartan Gregorian School Kickoff as student-athletes and coaches from the Bears' 38 varsity programs visited the Providence elementary school on Thursday, Oct. 25.

"It's something that we look to do more with every year because the student-athletes themselves are maybe 10 years removed from being in these kids' places," baseball head coach Grant Achilles said. "It reminds them what it's like to be a kid sometimes when they get caught up in the daily grind of being an Ivy League student and a Division I athlete."

In 1991, Brown University adopted Vartan Gregorian Elementary School at Fox Point and began a program which has grown and developed into what it is today - a mutually beneficial partnership that has received much recognition both inside Brown and within the community.

"It's awesome for them to have an older role model to look up to, to help them with their work, and to just hang out with them," volleyball sophomore Eliza Grover said. "I know as a younger kid, I loved having older people to look up to, and I think it's really important."

The program works because student-athletes are willing to devote time to it and treat it as the special relationship that it is. Each classroom at the Vartan Gregorian Elementary School at Fox Point has a designated team who visits the classroom and volunteers their time to help the students.

"It's a step back and you get to get into their gear," men's water polo senior Spencer Carroll said. "All they are focused on are the last 10 minutes and the next 10 minutes that are going to come. They are not focused on the next test that is coming in two weeks or championships that are coming up in four weeks. You are just in the now with them, and it's a really relaxing time for us."

The kickoff event begins with a school-wide assembly in the gymnasium where each class performs its cheer for its respective team. From there, Brown student-athletes and Vartan students break off into their classrooms. In honor of the day, Vartan students wear t-shirts which read 'Smart as a Fox, Strong as a Bear.'

"You get to see all the kids and all the energy of all the different grades," wrestling senior Travis Vasquez said. "Honestly, it's just really great to volunteer and give back to the community of Providence. It's great to try and help these kids and to help them realize their potential. If they stay in school and focus on their grades, they could end up at an institution like Brown."

(10/29/2018) 2018 Vartan Gregorian School Kickoff

Brown University Athletics

Brown Athletics Celebrates 28th Annual Vartan Gregorian School Kickoff

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