BAA invests $1 million in Roxbury’s Reggie Lewis Center

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“There is no better way for us to fulfill our mission than by hosting good events and giving back to the community.”

The Boston Athletic Association and the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center announced Thursday a multi-year partnership between Boston Marathon organizers and the Roxbury athletic facility. This brings BAA to an investment of more than $1 million in The Reggie at Roxbury Community College. For the next few years.

BAA will make a direct financial contribution of $700,000 over the next four years and provide entry slots to the Boston Marathon, which BAA says could bring total fundraising to the center to more than $1.3 million.

The funds will go toward advancing the center’s athletic and wellness programs, including annual youth track and basketball events, senior fitness programs, and wellness resources for the community.

“BAA’s mission is focused on promoting healthy lifestyles through sports, especially running,” said BAA Chief Executive Officer Jack Fleming. – said during an announcement Thursday at the And Athletic Center. “There is no better way for us to fulfill our mission than by hosting good events and giving back to the community, and this is a perfect example of that.”

Joining Fleming at Thursday’s event were RLTAC Executive Director Michael Turner, Roxbury Community College President Jonathan K. Jefferson, State Representative China Tyler, Suffolk County Sheriff Stephen Tompkins, and Michelle・Mr. Stephen Chan, Senior Advisor for Partnerships to Mayor Wu, attended.

“So how does this actually impact and help us? There’s a 22-year difference in life expectancy between Roxbury residents and neighboring communities just two miles away,” Turner said. did. “So, (BAA’s) financial support will help us do fitness classes, mindfulness training and talks on healthy eating.

“We’re going to close this gap. That’s our goal. And their support will help us make that happen.”

The event also kicked off RLTAC’s 30th anniversary fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $5 million to support RLTAC.

“We know it will take a village to raise the $5 million needed to transform the programs, technology, equipment and resources available at the Reggie Lewis Center,” said Jefferson, who took over as RCC president in July. ” “Through partnerships like this, we can create real and sustainable change.”

RLTAC, which opened in 1995, is named for former Celtics and Northeastern star Reggie Lewis, who died suddenly while playing basketball in Waltham in the summer of 1993.

Because the facility opened as a statewide facility, some have criticized it in recent years for struggling to balance the athletic needs of students from around the state with those of Boston Public Schools students and the community. has been exposed to criticism.

The infusion of support from one of the city’s largest sports institutions is a boost for Turner, who is in his second year as executive director, as RLTAC seeks to renew its relationship with residents of Roxbury and other Boston-area communities. It has become.

“From a personal standpoint, I would like to personally thank (BAA Chief Marketing Officers) Scott Stover and Jack Fleming,” Turner said in his closing remarks. “I don’t think they realize how much this means to me as a human being. … Taking the time to get to know them and literally say, ‘Michael, we’re here to support you. ” he says. We believe in what you are trying to achieve and do. Our vision is aligned and we intend to make it a reality. ” Many people only talk the talk, but they actually walk the walk.

“It’s not easy to step into this kind of partnership, but it’s really, really great to put your money where your mouth is. BAA did that.”