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'Stewards of the future': NFC, FSU star Ernie Sims continues charitable efforts in Tallahassee
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- 'Stewards of the future': NFC, FSU star Ernie Sims continues charitable efforts in Tallahassee
Ernie Sims is in town.
The former North Florida Christian and Florida State football standout is currently in his hometown of Tallahassee hosting the 16th Annual Ernie Sims Charity Weekend.
100 percent of the proceeds benefits Sims' Big HITS Foundation , a nonprofit organization aimed towards empowering youth, families, and communities.
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"It's just understanding and realizing that we're stewards of the future," Sims said of his yearly event. "We're trying to leave a positive impression on their lives and childhood experiences. So when they come of age, they can look back on this one moment in a culmination of a lot of moments to make them want to do something like this in their community.
"We're making our society a better place to live. We're trying to play our small part and role in helping this community and inspiring kids through sports."
The weekend full of events began on Thursday with a flag football game at Messer Park. This was followed by Sims' Youth Football and Cheer Camp on Friday, which was relocated from Tom Brown Park to the Boys and Girls Club gym due to inclement weather.
Sims, who played eight seasons in the NFL, hosted his Track and Field Invitational at Chiles High School on Saturday which is followed by the Champions Awards Banquet at Tallahassee Community College from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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"We're extremely grateful for our partners over the years and [Friday] was true testament of that since mother nature had her way. But, we had an alternative plan to still serve the community in facilitating our camp," Sims, 38, said.
"Parks and Recreation and the Boys and Girls Club did a phenomenal job," Sims continued. "It was refreshing to see the smiles on the faces and see the kids have fun and compete. We were really excited about that."
Providing athletic exposure in Tallahassee sparks a sense of familiarity for Ernie Sims and mother, Alice Sims
Former North Florida Christian Eagles and Florida State Seminoles football player Ernie Sims hosts his 16th Annual Big HITS Charity Weekend in Tallahassee, Florida
Sims now coaches at Central Florida ( UCF ), serving as the Knights' linebackers coach. The upcoming 2023 season will be his first year on the staff.
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Being a coach coincides with being a parent as Sims watched his son, Ernie IV, compete in the 400 meter dash on Saturday.
"I take in pride in just inspiring and leading," Sims said. "It doesn't stop with my own kids. If anything, I'm going to love them a little more harder and my expectations are a little bit higher for my own to not only win, but give their best and reach for the stars in whatever endeavor they chase after sports.
"It's refreshing to see my own kid out there competing because they're intertwined in the journey as well as they pursue their own dreams."
Though Sims is the namesake of the weekend festivities, he calls the yearly track meet his mother's, Alice Sims , 'baby.'
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Alice Sims is a two-time national champion for Florida State Seminoles' track and field, winning the 4x100-meter outdoor relay and the 4x200 indoor relay in 1981. Additionally, she was a seven-time All-American selection and was inducted into the Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2018.
Former North Florida Christian Eagles and Florida State Seminoles football player Ernie Sims hosts his 16th Annual Big HITS Charity Weekend in Tallahassee, Florida
"It is my baby," Alice Sims said in agreeance with her son's comment. "I can watch track and field all day long and is the foundation for almost every sport. To see these young people excel and how they fight for that goal to cross the finish line first is so exciting.
"Track is my passion and I love being able to offer this for the young people."
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The Ernie Sims Track and Field Invitational garnered approximately 225 student-athletes, ranging from elementary school to high school ages. Some, Alice Sims says, are AAU Junior Olympians.
"You have a whole community out here," Alice Sims said. "People want to come to Tallahassee ― to our city ― because they know that we're going to put on a quality meet. We take pride in the collaboration and partnership with other organization.
"It makes us feel blessed. For that, we say thank you and we're going to make sure you receive quality services."
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee .
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Local: Former NFC, FSU football star Ernie Sims gives back to Tallahassee
