Oakland Raiders cornerback TJ Carrie launched his charitable foundation with students on the playground of Parker Elementary in Oakland on November 28, 2016, partnering with Playworks and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Together, TJ and Playworks created an exciting playbook for Parker Elementary entitled, “Recess Hero.” This innovative incentive program empowers Junior Coaches to challenge all students on the playground to join TJ’s team and be a “Recess Hero.” TJ is the first athlete in the nation who has adopted a single school through the Playworks program.
As part of TJ’s "Take A Chance: Dream Big" call to action, “Recess Hero” focuses on core values such as respect, teamwork, inclusion, positive conflict resolution, and leadership skills. Following the foundation announcement, TJ joined the students for recess, as he regularly does, challenging the children to a game of gaga ball, foursquare, 21 football, and tag, to name a few. All the while, he encouraged them to make good choices, and most importantly, delivered high-fives to everyone!
With TJ earning a master’s degree in coaching education, Playworks was an obvious teammate for the TJ Carrie Foundation. All students will receive an autograph scorecard from TJ with their goals on the back. Students and staff achieving the goals will receive a silver and black “Recess Hero” T-shirt.
Together, Playworks, TJ, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation are teaching students to dream bigger and become heroes on the playground and in their communities.
View more photos from the event.
