HU Students Take On Summer F.L.A.M.E with U.S. Olympics Committee

HU Students Take On Summer F.L.A.M.E with U.S. Olympics Committee

Hamptonians Taylor, Burnett and Burrell in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Hampton University students, Antoine Burrell, a senior sports management major, Corine Taylor, a junior five-year MBA major and Crystal Burnett, a junior public relations major with a minor in sports management, participated in the F.L.A.M.E program with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), July 14-18.

“My experience in the F.L.A.M.E program was amazing,” said Burrell. “I got to experience activities like fencing, team handball, and sitting volleyball activities that I would not have been exposed to without the F.L.A.M.E program.”

F.L.A.M.E is designed to inspire minority college students to cultivate their desire to succeed and rise above the ordinary. The students selected demonstrate a pursuit of excellence within their communities. F.A.M.E provides students with the opportunity to further their personal and professional growth through unique seminars and workshops led by Olympic and Para Olympic athletes and other professionals.

Taylor, Burnett and Burrell at F.L.A.M.E award ceremony

Burrell received information about the program from the HU Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) department via blackboard. The F.L.A.M.E program allow

students to live like the Olympians for a week. The students stayed and dined in the Olympic Training Center dormitory of the U.S. Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs, Colo., where Olympic athletes are housed.

The students had the opportunity to take part in Olympic activities. The program also consisted of leadership enhancement workshops, exposure to Olympians and Para Olympians, as well as leaders within the USOC.

“Being a part of this program meant a lot to me because it gave me a chance to be around people who not only had similar passions as me, but looked like me as well,” said Burrell. “It gave me a new outlook on sports and what is out there professionally. F.L.A.M.E has taught me valuable lessons that I will keep with me throughout my professional career.”

F.L.A.M.E students also had the chance to speak with Scott Blackmun, CEO of the USOC; Olympic gold and silver medalist Derek Parra; five-time medalist Teresa Edwards and Para Olympian bronze medalist Dartanyon Crockett along with many more Olympians, Para Olympians and USOC staff. 

To learn more about the F.L.A.M.E program with the Olympic Committee visit http://www.teamusa.org/.

Chad Harris '14