KU Athletics Helps Host Hawks, Cops and Kids

JaCorey Shepherd (FB) holds a
kickoff for a participant.LAWRENCE, Kan. – A handful of Kansas student-athletes joined forces with the Lawrence Police Department, KU Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County to host the annual Hawks, Cops and Kids event for nearly 70 area children at Robinson Gymnasium Saturday morning.  

Jayhawk student-athletes played games with participants in the gym, part of a rotation that included a pair of classroom sessions where participants learned about bullying and online safety and general safety tips regarding strangers, in addition to a photo booth and an opportunity to explore functional patrol cars. During the bullying session, kids were encouraged to just say no, and step up, speak up, and report it if they’re being bullied. The sessions included time for questions and put children through several role playing scenarios.

Under the supervision of several patrol officers, participants were allowed to turn on the siren and speak through a patrol car’s loudspeaker in the back parking lot of the Robinson Center.

Jayhawk student-athletes led several games of basketball knockout, keep away, kickball and soccer in the gymnasium. Student-athletes also signed Hawks, Cops and Kids t-shirts for interested participants.

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