NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- For the 21st time since launching the program in 2002, the Christopher Newport Department of Athletics continued its positive impact on the Newport News community with its annual tradition, Kids First, on the first day of Newport News Public Schools. On Monday, August 25, nearly 400 student-athletes, coaches, and staff came together for the annual initiative encouraging a safe return to school for local elementary aged children. 

The large group of CNU representatives welcomed back the students at many elementary schools around the city while also posting up on sidewalks and corners on two of the cities main thoroughfares with signs encouraging driver safety. The 21st Annual Kids First community service project continued to be a terrific success, encouraging drivers to slow down and drive safe. 

The initiative began in 2002 with a modest group of student-athletes and staff and has grown to include nearly every team on campus and hundreds of volunteers. Adorned with "Kids First, Drive Safely" signs, student-athletes and coaches waved at drivers at local intersections to encourage safety. Afterwards, teams headed to the front steps of elementary schools, excitedly welcoming back students for the new year. 

Additionally, student-athletes and teams traveled to the doorsteps of several local elementary schools to offer encouragement on the first day of school. Operation Smile, part of the annual tradition for over a decade, sees CNU Captains offering high fives, applause, and roaring cheers for the elementary-aged students in the local neighborhoods. 

Christopher Newport's Athletic Outreach Program Director Roland Ross organized the outing, adding another successful chapter in the community service project. 

The Captains have community service partnerships with several NNPS elementary schools. If you are interested in the Captains volunteering for your organization, please contact Coach Ross at 757-594-7041.