The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center (RLTAC) at Roxbury Community College and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership advancing athletic programming and opportunities at the Roxbury athletic facility. A financial contribution over four years, combined with fundraising potential provided by the B.A.A. through Boston Marathon entries, may exceed $1.3m.
“The B.A.A.’s mission focuses on the promotion of healthy lifestyles through sport, especially running, and there’s no better way to support this than partnering with the RLTAC, which has been a valuable athletic hub for the Boston community since 1995,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the B.A.A. “As we look towards the future, we are focused on providing everyone – no matter their experience level, background, or age – a chance to participate and take part in athletics at the RLTAC. These funds are aimed at enhancing The Reggie’s schedule of activities and opportunities across a variety of sports.”
The RLTAC annually hosts more than 100 events and features year-round programming for athletes across many sports, from track and field to basketball, senior programming, and fitness and wellness classes. Along with the financial contribution of $700,000, the RLTAC will also receive invitational entries into the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America with which athletes can raise valuable funds for the facility’s programs.
The announcement marked the official start of The RLTAC’s 30th anniversary fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $5M to support the institution. “I am beyond grateful to the B.A.A. for their multi-year commitment. I am confident that we share the same values, goals and vision,” said Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson, president of Roxbury Community College. “I look forward to working alongside all of you to increase programming at the Reggie, providing all Boston residents with access to quality, affordable health, wellness, and wellbeing resources. It’s through partnerships like this one that we make real, sustainable change.” Several events will be held to mark the anniversary throughout the year.
To kick off the partnership, an event featuring athletes from the community was held within The Reggie at RCC’s field house. Guests and members of the media enjoyed observing the Boston Knights volleyball team in training, The Reggie’s Sensational Seniors exercise program, a bootcamp presented by Sculpted by Stacey and The Healthy Crane. State Representative Chynah Tyler; Stephen Chan, Mayor Michelle Wu’s Senior Advisor for Partnerships; and Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Chair of RCC Board of Trustees were also on hand to celebrate two Boston athletic institutions coming together.
The B.A.A. is a non-profit organization committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The next mass-participatory event on the B.A.A. calendar is the 2024 Boston Half presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund on Sunday, November 10, starting and finishing at Franklin Park. More than 9,000 athletes are set to take part in the 13.1-mile race.
