On July 25, the St. Louis Surge women’s professional basketball team hosted its first Surge Community Day.

The event, which was closed off from the public to enforce social distancing, aimed at bringing together the community safely, while giving back to the local youth from Marian Middle School, Girls Inc., and the Old North neighborhood. Thanks to the Surge Impact Fund, every kid walked away with a brand new WILSON basketball, WILSON soccer ball, hand sanitizer, Surge mask, and Surge t-shirt.

“The Surge represents so much more than basketball,” said Khalia Collier, Owner and General Manager. “We embody a beloved community following the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King and his beliefs of how our ultimate end must be the creation of the beloved community.”

The activities started at 9 a.m. and took place at The Collective STL, a yoga instruction group located in the heart of North St. Louis. Local residents and their families filtered into the event for a yoga session hosted by The Collective. The Surge players and coaching staff then led the attendees through a short workout that included jumping jacks, air squats, and burpees.

After the quick sweat, attendees participated in a variety of activities. Kids enjoyed face painting and blown up balloons. Surge players took pictures with fans and signed autographs. Families spoke with Surge community partners and vendors, including St. Louis Juice Press, The Fit and Food Connection, Rung for Women, and the US Census Bureau. Surge Community Day was also supported by St. Louis Community Foundation, Given100, 2Lu, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Andy’s Seasoning, Heartland Coca-Cola, and the WashU Orthopedic Physician team.

Every attendee was required to wear a mask and hand sanitizer was provided. This allowed the Surge to create a safe event while fulfilling its mission of promoting physical activity and supporting the St. Louis area community. 

Although the 2020 season was canceled, the Surge organization stays committed to serving St. Louis area families in this time of need. Hear about future events by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.