In August 2020, we asked for help getting bikes and play equipment for the children of Wedgewood. You came through in a big way, and Bikes & Badges was born from that request. We gave away 75 new and repaired bikes that year, and more than 400 this year.
You may recall that Columbus Division of Police Officer Sean Taylor introduced us to Siyat and Aden Mohamed, who run a soccer program for the children of that area. Officer Taylor became close to the Mohameds and the children of the program while he was a patrol officer on the West Side.
The My Project USA Hilltop Tigers program includes about 100 children, and Siyat and Aden are wonderful role models to all of them, making sure they study and that they follow team rules, which can be strict. They’re not allowed to play in games if they’re found to break curfew, for example. We were able to use the additional funds left from that 2020 assignment to give jerseys to these fine athletes to help build the pride they have in themselves and their team. Thank you for your help.
Siyat was named as one of USA Today’s 2020 Everyday Heroes. He said in that article, “My life revolves around my community, my people and all the youth,” he said. “Seeing the impact I have on these kids inspires me to get up out of bed. I’m the only change-maker in many of their lives.”
