(Photo via eventbrite.com)

Under the definition of the word “orange” you will find it’s a color that represents enthusiasm, encouragement and success. The word “arrow” implies action and a sense of purpose to go in the right direction. Former University of Pittsburgh defensive back Shawn Robinson combined these two terms in 2013 to found Orange Arrow, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to coach young athletes for success off the field.

Tuesday, the organization kicked off its Summer ’18 Academy where all male athletes, 10 to 13 years old, participate in a four-day camp from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus. The camp includes sports-themed activities, guest speakers, competitions, interaction with college athletes, and all meals included.

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Five Pitt football players helped jump-start the camp at the Zone 28 bowling alley in Harmarville, Pennsylvania on Tuesday night.

Here is an image shared on Orange Arrow’s Twitter page.

Day 1. Summer 18. #OrangeArrow #TakeAim pic.twitter.com/drxtHFAhHj

— Orange Arrow Players Association (@OrangeArrowPA) July 10, 2018

Panthers wide receiver Rafael Araujo-Lopes, the leader of the total 20 players who are volunteering this week, hopes to make a positive impact on the kids.

“I’m really trying to grow them, grow their personal life. Being in the community. Empowering the youth. Simple things like bowling,” Araujo-Lopes said. “I’m showing them the ropes, learning the detailed stuff, and also off the field telling them, ‘Expose yourself to other things, care about things outside of football.’”

Corey Myers, 13, said the Pitt players are teaching them how to behave the right way.

“They teach us how to be respectful. How to be nice to people,” Meyers said. “You know how people use a lot of swear words? They teach us always check your language and don’t use 'um’ and 'like.’”

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Panther players Damar Hamlin, Tre Tipton, Maurice Ffrench and Shocky Jacques-Louis were also there with the kids, bowling, playing laser tag and rapping songs.  Jacques-Louis lost his bet that he would win bowling and hit the ground to do 30 pushups.

Here is a video of the moment.

 

Tipton has enjoyed the experience most because the kids see them as people, not just college athletes.

“They just want to hang out with you.” Tipton said.

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Robinson says one the best things about the program is that it's grown in diversity since its founding five years ago.

“When I first started the organization, it was 96 percent African-American,” he said. “Right now, that number is closer to 59 percent black, 32 percent white, 7 bi-racial and one Native American and one Hispanic.” Robinson said. “Student-athletes from all different backgrounds, black, white, different economic backgrounds, enjoy Orange Arrow the same and are growing just the same.”