Vincent Country Safe Zone Day Engages Youth During Super Bowl LIX Week

Vincent Country Safe Zone Activity Day: A Community Celebration

On February 4, 2025, the Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School became a hub of excitement and community spirit as it hosted the Vincent Country Safe Zone Activity Day, presented by Cigna Healthcare. This annual event, which coincides with the Super Bowl festivities, aims to create a safe and engaging environment for children from under-resourced areas.

This year marked the eighth iteration of the event, which attracted over 600 students from pre-Kindergarten to the eighth grade, including participants from nearby Fifth Ward Elementary School. The day was filled with fun, food, wellness activities, and interactive sports, such as the NFL Flag Football games that are pivotal to the day's vibrant atmosphere.

The event's founders, Troy Vincent, Sr., an NFL executive, and his wife Tommi A. Vincent, emphasized the importance of supporting youth in their community. 'Our entire family is committed to providing compassion and resources for students through Love Thy Neighbor CDC,' Tommi said. 'Our collaboration with Cigna Healthcare allows us to create healthy experiences for children, which is essential.'

With the support of valuable partners such as Zebra Technologies and Infinite Athlete, the event has positively influenced over 3,400 students and provided more than $575,000 in resources to participating schools. This year’s theme, The Road to Success!, was celebrated with the unveiling of a beautiful mural crafted by local artist Vitus Shell, reminding the children of their unique and special experiences on this day.

Lead sponsor Cigna Healthcare showcased their commitment to community health by offering engaging activities at game stations and providing free health screenings to parents and community members through their Wellness In Motion mobile clinic. The children benefited from free eye exams and glasses while the Evernorth Behavioral Health team facilitated wellness activations, reinforcing the notion of a holistic approach to health that merges physical and mental well-being.

'We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Vincent Country and the NFL,' stated Tim Vessel, Cigna Healthcare’s general manager for South Texas and Louisiana. 'It’s crucial that we bring excitement and health awareness to kids through engaging activities.'

The day's highlight was undoubtedly the NFL FLAG segment, led by NFL Global Flag Football Ambassador Bobby Taylor, an NFL veteran. This initiative aims to expand flag football participation among youth, especially in communities with fewer resources, thereby fostering an inclusive, competitive, and engaging environment for all participants.

Dr. Kara Lawson, Principal of Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School, expressed her gratitude for hosting the event, saying, 'Being chosen as the location for the Vincent Country Safe Zone Activity Day is an extraordinary honor. This event empowers our students and will create lasting memories.'

This year, additional support came from Stand Together, which donated Chromebooks and STEM resources to further enhance educational opportunities at the school. Their contribution reflects a broader commitment to addressing educational inequities and empowering educators. Other partners like Chick-fil-A provided meals for participants in alignment with their mission to combat hunger in local communities.

Notable participants included NFL current players, Hall of Famers, and several community volunteers, including local youth from historically Black colleges and universities. Their involvement not only inspired students but also reinforced the collaborative effort of the community in supporting its youth.

As the excitement of the day wrapped up, the Vincents continued their community-focused mission with events planned later in the week, fostering an ongoing commitment to uplift the youth and families of their community.

Love Thy Neighbor CDC continues its mission by partnering with schools and organizations to create opportunities that enrich the lives of children, ensuring access to resources and support throughout the year.

This vibrant day wholeheartedly embodies the spirit of community engagement, highlighting the critical importance of providing safe spaces for youth to thrive, discover their potential, and enjoy memorable experiences.