Oct. 13, 2009

Memphis, Tenn. -

Children's Museum Photo Gallery

The University of Memphis men's and women's track and field teams recently stepped off the track and spent some time with children at The Children's Museum of Memphis (CMOM).

"I think it's great for our student-athletes to be visible within the community and be able to represent the University of Memphis in a positive light," said track and field head coach Kevin Robinson. "Working with The Children's Museum is a way to reach a lot of young kids and gives them an opportunity to see us and spend time with us while adding visibility to the program."

The Tiger athletes assisted with leading fun and educational activities throughout the children's museum. The children learned, with the help of the athletes teaching, about democracy and the voting process.

"We work hard as a staff to bring in high quality people," Robinson said. "We are really proud of our kids but, when we get to see them interact with the public, not in training atmosphere, in a leadership role or representative role, it makes you proud of who they are and how far they have come. It's a really good feeling to see that in our student-athletes."

The Children's Museum named the event Children's Choice Kick'n with the Candidates. The future voters of Memphis kick around kids' issues at the CMOM polls with the mayoral candidates and cast their votes for mayor in mock voting booths. Kids received their own personal voter registration cards. Memphis athletes helped the children make campaign buttons and hats.

The Memphis Tiger track and field teams will compete in their first indoor meet on December 5th at the SIU Fast Start meet in Carbondale, Illinois.