HCHSA Fall Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

NATIONAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS

HOUSTON SPORTS HALL OF FAME DAY ABILITIES IN MOTION

FALL 2023 INTERNS AND MORE!

2023 NATIONAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS

AUGUST 26, 2023

The 2023 National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) once again captivated audiences at NRG Stadium, showcasing the passionate performances of eight of the best Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands. Thousands of fans from across the nation filled the stands and celebrated HBCU culture and pride.

2023 marked a special occasion for the NBOTB as it honored the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. To celebrate hip-hop’s golden anniversary, the NBOTB event organizers introduced a star-studded line-up of performers who showcased their talent throughout the evening. The line-up spotlighted seven hip-hop legends, including Doug E. Fresh aka “Human Beat Box”, Slim Thug, Choppa, Z-Ro, DJ Mr. Rogers, and Big Boi.

As the NBOTB event has grown, so have the opportunities provided to local students. This year, local area youth were provided over 6,000 tickets to attend the HBCU S.T.E.M. College Recruitment Fair and the NBOTB event. Students in attendance were able to talk to representatives from over 35 universities, some even receiving on-the-spot scholarship and acceptance offers!

On September 14, the HCHSA culminated a yearlong celebration of its 2023 Houston Sports Hall of Fame class as Bruce Matthews, Elvin Hayes, and Calvin Murphy all received their Hall of Fame rings and had their plaques unveiled on the Walk of Fame at the GreenStreet Promenade. The event was held at the House of Blues with friends, family, invited guests, and members of the HCHSA Board of Directors.

Renowned artist Opie Otterstad showcased his unique paintings representing each 2023 Hall of Famer, as he’s done for all the previous Hall of Fame classes. As part of the event, Opie had each Hall of Famer “sign” their painting with their handprint, allowing each of them to become part of his work.

(LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM): 2023 HALL OF FAMER CLASS (ELVIN HAYES, BRUCE MATTHEWS, ER SPEAKING AFTER LIFETIME CIVIC CHAMPION AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT, HAYES RING, MATTHEWS

Fred Cuellar, Founder & CEO of Diamond Cutters International, was also in attendance to present the Hall of Fame rings. As the top diamond expert in the world, Cuellar beautifully depicted each Hall of Famer’s career with a diamond-encrusted, once-in-a-lifetime ring.

To culminate the day, it was announced that Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will receive the first ever “Lifetime Civic Champion Award” for his work in expanding the impact of sports in the city over his eight years in office. Turner will be recognized for his accomplishments at the 2024 Houston Sports Awards.

The Houston Sports Walk of Fame was developed in 2018 to showcase Houston sports icons and create a space where sports enthusiasts can celebrate the history of sports in the city. The Walk of Fame on GreetStreet is open to the public for guests to visit and check out the plaques of some of Houston’s best athletes!

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

ABILITIES IN MOTION HOSTED ITS 2023 ADAPTED SPORTS DAY AT WEEKLEY FAMILY YMCA. THIS EVENT, IN PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE HARRIS COUNTY - HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY (HCHSA) AND TIRR MEMORIAL HERMANN, ALLOWED OVER 50 YOUTH AND ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF ADAPTED SPORTS. PARALYMPIAN ATHLETES COACHED MULTIPLE SPORTS STATIONS, INCLUDING SWIMMING, BOCCIA, PICKLEBALL, AND RECUMBENT CYCLING. THE DAY ALSO INCLUDED EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS FOR PARENTS AND ADULTS AND SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS.

(LEFT TO RIGHT): GUEST SPEAKER KYLE MUTZ, JANIS BURKE, HCHSA CEO, GIVING OPENING FONTAINE, PARTICIPANT TRYING OUT RECUMBENT CYCLING

ALLOWED COACHED SWIMMING, THE FOR

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"It was a great day for sports inclusivity in Houston. Adapted Sports Day is just the start of the continued work towards raising awareness about disability inclusion in sports. Through our Abilities in Motion programming, the HCHSA will continue to provide opportunities and resources to our community, making sports accessible for all people!"

Meredith Pardue

HCHSA Athlete Affairs & Accommodations Director

LESS THAN 100 DAYS UNTIL THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN THE ACTION?

THE HARRIS COUNTY - HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY HOSTED MEMBERS OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ HOST CITY OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR A PLANNING VISIT AS FIFA OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO GO OVER SEVERAL KEY ELEMENTS OF THE CITY’S OPERATION IN PREPARATION FOR HOUSTON HOSTING SEVERAL MATCHES DURING THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ .

(CLOCK-WISE BEGINNING UPPER LEFT): COMMITTIEE ENTERING NRG CENTER FOR OPERATIONAL MEETINGS, OUTSIDE TOUR OF NRG STADIUM, COMMITTIEE ARRIVING AT NRG, CHRIS CANETTI INTERVIEWING WITH LOCAL HOUSTON MEDIA

INTRODUCING OUR 2023 HCHSA FALL INTERNSHIP CLASS

TYRAN JOHNSON DIGITAL MARKETING

JEFFREY MADEIA VOLUNTEER OPERATIONS

YULIANNA MEZA ACCOUNTING

JOHAN LOWE ATHLETE AFFAIRS