What do "kids play" and Olympic Day have in common? NJ Hall of Fame Boxing Coach "Wali" Moses
On Monday, June 19, 2017, Newark-native "Wali" Moses, a former Team USA Olympic Boxing Coach who was inducted into the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012, was the honoree for first ever Olympic Day 2017. The students at B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy made history as the first school ever, in the City of Newark, to celebrate an official Olympic Day Committee supported event which is held internationally in more than 160 countries.
The morning began with an opening ceremony that introduced Coach Wali to the students of B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy. Participants welcomed the award-winning coach and celebrated his visit by calling him "Pop Pop" the nickname given to him by his grandson 2016 Olympic Boxer Shakur Stevenson. Sharing words of wisdom on success, determination and reaching your goals, He reminded students about the importance of staying in school and congratulated them on their participation in Olympic Day 2017.
Results after the Pre-Olympic Trial Event held the week before, included approximately 100 students who participated in the 100-meter run and basketball free throw. First place winners from the event received a gold medal along with 2nd and 3rd place receiving certificates of achievement. The ceremony was designed to engage and promote the ideals of the Olympic movement and was one of more than 2,000 events taking place nationwide during the month of June.
Coach Wali was presented with a resolution, from the office of U.S. Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., for his commitment to the community. Congressional staffer Michael Gray was on hand and presented the award during an outdoor ceremony.