TYLER, TEXAS – The University of Texas at Tyler athletics department is thrilled to announced that last week's Patriot Sports Camp for A Cause raised $8,385.50 to directly benefit flood relief in Central Texas.
 
Last month, a devastating flood took place along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas, causing widespread destruction. The Patriots joined together and created Patriot Sports Camp for a Cause, a way for campers age 5-12 to come get instruction from UT Tyler coaches and their student-athletes while also raising money for flood relief.
 
"The two days of camp were special experiences," UT Tyler athletic director Sam Ferguson said. "We were blessed with an opportunity to make a difference, while sharing our talented student-athletes and coaches with Tyler's youth. I'm proud to work with a team of coaches, student-athletes, and staff who are willing to give up their precious time to add value to others. We not only raised money for our neighbors in Central Texas, which was the original goal, we also provided a service to this amazing community. We couldn't have done it without our partners at UT Health East Texas and without the parents who stepped up to support us. This event is more evidence that, when it comes to compassion and service, the city of Tyler is off the charts!"
 
"It was incredible to see our coaches and staff working with the children of our community for such a great cause," senior associate AD for Internal Operations / head softball coach Mike Reed said. "Our coaches and staff really came together and had a blast teaching elements of their sports and just connecting with the kids over these two days."
 
136 total campers spent two days with the Patriots coaching staff and several student-athletes, going through activities such as baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, basketball, disc golf, and swimming. The staff coached them through drills and practices while also encouraging fun and camaraderie throughout the day. Campers were also provided free lunch on each day, courtesy of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill and Raising Cane's.
 
All proceeds from the camp directly benefit the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and will contribute to the recovery and rebuilding of Central Texas.
 
The link to donate to this great cause can be found HERE.