June 9, 2008

USF Athletic Director Debi Gore-Mann has been honored by the Oakland YMCA for her community efforts throughout the East Bay. Recently the 2008 Urban Services YMCA (Oakland) Sports Awards Banquet named the first annual Debi Gore-Mann Female Student-Athlete Award to Ikera Davis (softball/track) and Novannah Fletcher (basketball/track). Selection criteria consist of academic and scholastic excellence, their attitude, and their sportsmanship.

The Urban Services YMCA is a YMCA without walls. They collaborate and partner within their communities to build diverse and accessible programs. These partnerships value, respect and empower youth, families and communities. The Urban Services YMCA is composed of the Eastlake YMCA, the M. Robinson Baker YMCA and the YMCA Teen Center. The Urban Services YMCA conducts health and wellness, youth development and cultural arts programs at three YMCA centers, seven school campuses and numerous sites in the community. Each location offers programs that meet the unique needs of the community while promoting the overall goals of the YMCA strategic plan.

"This is a wonderful honor and I appreciate the Urban Services YMCA of Oakland for bestowing it upon me," Gore-Mann said. "As a former female student-athlete, I understand the challenges in front of these young women as they strive for success both in the classroom and on the field of play, but the rewards are life changing."

"Health and Wellness is hugely important, especially in our communities," said Chris Chatmon, Urban Services Executive Director. "We are proud that our youth are all examples of ways to improve their health, their character and their teamwork."

"The awards that we are giving today are because of all the people here tonight: the children, the parents, the coaches, the volunteers, the staff and our special awardees," Chatmon continued. "Without everyone here the children would be left to raise themselves, as some do."

"Our children today need to see the "Real Models" in our community so that they can aspire to great things based on people that they can really see and touch. That is why this event is important for us to make the connection with the children and the community adults who are making a difference everyday."