Denzel Washington Gives Back

 

“I am a direct result of the athletic programs in Mount Vernon. That is why I am here today.”

Those are the words of Oscar winner Denzel Washington, who isn’t pulling any punches when talking about the budget crisis that could force his hometown to cut all school athletic programs.

“I was upset and I am still upset about what’s going on, and I am going to find some answers,” he said during a news conference Tuesday.

The crisis began in June, when Mount Vernon voters defeated the school budget not once, but twice. Forced to cut $4 million, the district dropped funding for every sports team.

Over the summer, Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young created the “Save Our Sports” program, raising enough money to preserve the school’s fall teams. But it will take another $630,000 to save the winter and spring sports.”

 

Earlier this month, Washington donated $100,000 of his own money to the cause and he hopes future students will have the same opportunities that he had while growing up.

 

Full Story: wcbstv

~ by fmanyc on August 27, 2008.