Team Walker is taking one step closer to owning the Team Walker Learning Center and improving the lives of Jersey City's youth. On June 16, Jerry Walker, former Seton Hall basketball player, will be hosting his fourth annual walk for his nonprofit organization. The walk will take place on Exchange Place in Jersey City where the approximately two mile walk will be marked by the Hudson River waterfront and view of New York City's skyline.
Last year over 400 participants gathered at Exchange Place in support of Team Walker. The funds from past walks and this year's will be used for enhancing the current programs Team Walker has as well as funding the new Learning Center that will be completed this summer.
"Just because the learning center is almost complete does not mean that our mission is," Walker said. "We are going to use these funds raised at the walk for Jersey City's future. This is a continuous long term project."
The Team Walker organization currently has over 1,000 participants in Jersey City in their year round academic and athletic programs.
"The walk provides a place for people to celebrate what we are doing as well as a place for new people to learn about what Team Walker can do for them," Walker said.
Participants will receive a free t-shirt as well as have the opportunity to play various games and meet special guests. Local sports teams' mascots will be in attendance, including the Seton Hall Pirate to represent Walker's alma mater.
"Seton Hall is still my family," Walker said. "Getting support from them is key to our success."
Food and drinks will be served prior to and after the walk's completion. The options consist of bagels and coffee in the morning as well as hot dogs, burgers, water, and more to refuel. Multiple businesses in the area have reached out to provide goods for the walk. Hudson Bread of North Bergen has donated chicken sandwiches for walkers.
For children attending the walk, there will be various games, face painting, balloon twisting, and live music being played.
Walker received the Defensive Player of the Year award in the 1992-93 season while playing for the Pirates. He was also selected for All-Big East selection three times; the All Rookie Team in the 1990-91 season, the Second Team in the 1991-92 season and the Third Team in the 1992-93 season.
Teams or individuals can register for the walk at www.teamwalker.org or call 201-939-8601.
Stephanie Vedral can be reached at stephanie.vedral@student.shu.edu.
