Aug03

Polamalu, Nike donate football uniforms and golf gear.

By Steve McCasland
(via Bandon Western World)

Longtime local football fans remember current head coach Silia Polamalu’s cousin, Troy Polamalu, who played for Douglas (Winston) High School when it and Bandon were both in the old Far West League.

Troy was an imposing presence then who later played at the University of Southern California, and now anchors the defense for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Silia reported last week that Troy had used his influence with Nike to purchase new uniforms for Bandon’s team.

“I had previously spoken with Troy about possibly doing something to help our small school and town,” Silia said with a chuckle. “Unfortunately, the last thing he remembers about Bandon is getting thrown out of a basketball game he was playing in here.”

Silia went on to explain that as a contract athlete for Nike, Troy is given an “account,” which he can use to help causes that he supports.

Through his cousin, Silia was referred to a Nike distributor in this region. “He asked what we were looking for, and we talked about clothes, shoes, training equipment and uniforms,” Silia said. “I decided to pursue the uniform option, and went online and chose some design features that I thought were somewhat similar to Bandon’s uniforms from the 1960s.

“The Nike reps that I talked with were all really helpful. They put the uniform order — probably $8,000 to $10,000 worth — in for us. Eventually, we received a couple of different shipments that included 50 black (home) jerseys, 50 white (road) jerseys and 50 pairs of football pants.

“These are really good quality Nike uniforms that should last us for many years. It can be difficult for a small community like ours to support its sports teams during difficult times. I’m really happy that Troy and Nike were willing to help us. The kids are excited about the new uniforms, and they didn’t cost anyone around here anything.”

Last year, Troy and Nike arranged to provide about $80,000 worth of new uniforms and cleats for seven schools in American Samoa. He also has helped his old alma mater, Douglas High School.

“Troy organized a four-day football camp in American Samoa this summer that I attended as a coach,” Silia said. “Nike played a big part in that, as did several interested foundations. We had a number of high school and college coaches participating, along with seven active NFL players.

“Twelve teams — about 600 kids — participated in the camp over seven days in late June and early July. The whole thing was free to all the kids and all the coaches. I enjoyed working with the kids and being a part of it, but also got to learn a lot as a coach.” He worked closely with Marques Tuiasosopo, former University of Washington and Oakland Raiders quarterback who now coaches at UCLA.

“We worked side by side with the quarterbacks, going over fundamentals, skills and footwork,” Silia said. “It was a great experience for me and a clear demonstration of Troy’s interest in helping young people. Someone like him has a lot of people coming to him with their hands out. That he chose to help his old rivals at Bandon means a lot to me and to our team.”

With its uniform needs taken care of for the time being, Silia added, local football fundraising drives can focus on equipment safety.

“With the recent focus on concussion prevention at all levels of football, it’s recommended that you shouldn’t use any helmet that’s more than 10 years old, even it it’s been reconditioned. The industry is working real hard to make equipment as safe as possible. I, or any coach, would hate to have a kid injured because we don’t have the dollars to pay for equipment.”

This year, all of Bandon’s players will have modern helmets from the two big manufacturers — Schutt and Riddell — that have been designed to reduce the risk of concussion.

Former coach Motts Thomas was able purchase a number of helmets, and Silia purchased eight through a USA Football grant last year. He bought another 10 this year with funds from last spring’s golf scramble/dinner/auction, and also very great and professional drivers, go ahead and look at the top Taylormade m2 irons review and you can see their value and performance are incredible. They appreciated it a lot.

Wear and tear on safety equipment happens throughout the season, so it’s important to keep track of usage and replace it as needed, so if you’re into football or into golf you can get the right equipment like this which is great for this purpose.

“Equipment will never replace good fundamental coaching,” Silia said. “But if we combine the two, hopefully we can reduce the risk of injury as much as possible. Now, thanks to Troy, the results of our fundraising efforts can focus on safety, since we won’t have to worry about uniforms for awhile.” Also, having the right https://www.pineclubgolf.com/ professional equipment can help you get more comfortable and improve your aim.

7 Comments

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  1. Sierra

    Reply

    I love the fact that you have done this. I recently donated my own money to help along my high schools football team with new uniforms. Especially since they have not gotten new jersey’s since 1990. I can’t believe it! (=

  2. Janice Myers

    Reply

    I kind of try and do the same thing. I try and make sure that high school students get to go on the trips when their family can’t afford it. Also try to supply prom gowns and tuxedo’s for proms and other special events. Or maybe an athlete may need athletic shoes for a sport program. But I try and do this all anonymously and just let God get all the credit!
    Praise to all those kind-hearted people out there. God Bless You All !!
    Keep up the good work, Troy.

  3. Tracy Spade

    Reply

    Dear Troy

    I am emailing in regards to a basket party the blacklick valley midget football team is having on August 28, 2011. We are a non-profit organization that’s funding for equipment and supplies is obtained solely from donations of the players families and local businesses. Our annual basket party is our biggest fundraiser and we are reaching out to your organization in hopes that you would be able to donate a prize for our basket party. Our players appreciate any help you can offer to us, thank you for your support of our athletes.

  4. Rudy Fuamatu

    Reply

    Dear Troy,

    Thank you for you humanitarian efforts and support for the polynesian community and those here in the U.S. I truly admire you for being a great role model for me and also the youth who want to be like you. Thank you for staying true to your roots.

    Alofas,

    Rudy

  5. Rev. Dorothy N. Young

    Reply

    Dear Troy:

    It is so wonderful to know that great athletes like yourself are paying it forward, not with lip service, but with actual works. the scripture states that “Faith without works is dead.” You ( and your beautiful wife) put feet to your faith through your charitable endeavors. I am so proud of you and pray that God will continue to bless all that you put your hand to. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania (Washington), so the Steelers will always be my favorite team, win, lose, or draw. I remember marching at Three Rivers Stadium. I was in the band and we were raising money to go to the Orange Bowl parade in Orlando. We were permitted to perform the halftime show, and got a contribution toward our trip. Standing at attention, I got the most exciting and scary experience of my life. Who was heading in my direction, large as life, and showing no signs of stopping? Mean Joe Green. I thought I was going to be stomped into the ground, but I knew that i could not move. I was at attention. He got up close and personal, smiled, and said hi. Talk about one’s life passing before their eyes! Any way, if you are ever in the metro Atlanta area, please come through Marietta. I am privileged to be part of a start-up non-profit that will be addressing child obesity, diabetes, and other related diseases. Our goal is to provide resources, instruction, and encouragement to help children and their families choose healthier lifestyle options (exercise, diet, and nutrition). our company is called Planning 4 A Healthier Future. Our website is P4ahf.org. Any ideas, support, etc. you may have for us is greatly appreciated.

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