THE ROBERT SHUMAKE HBCU CHALLENGE

by Joy Kamani
Businessman, entrepreneur, community visionary, author and NSSF partner, Dr. Robert Shumake has extended his relationship with the National Scholastic Sports Foundation (NSSF) by taking the helm of our new initiative, the Historically Black College & University Challenge, as the event's title sponsor. The First Annual Robert Shumake Historically Black College & University Challenge will be one of the featured events at the Great American Cross-Country Festival scheduled for the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC October 2-3.The Challenge was created by the NSSF as its initial venture to provide a series of high level athletic events for HBCU athletes that offer the ability to showcase individuals and teams and to provide social communication opportunities and coaching knowledge exchange. NSSF Director of Business Development, A. J. Holzherr, said, "We are pleased to have Dr. Shumake's support. His generous sponsorship will provide travel grants to teams participating in the event, and scholarships to the winning male and female schools." Dr. Shumake also contributes to the NSSF Travel Fund Program which provides funding to high school athletes during the track and field season. The Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays, affectionately known as "The Showdown in Motown," is an NSSF Select Event which highlights both athletic ability and academic achievement. The Robert Shumake Historically Black College & University Challenge Co-ordinator, Cedric Walker, reports that interest in the inaugural event has been outstanding. "Teams are registering every day," he said. "Entries include Morehouse, Bowie State, Hampton, South Carolina State, Livingstone College, Virginia State, Winston-Salem State, North Carolina Central, North Carolina A&T and our host college, St. Augustine. And we have verbal commitments from a significant number of other schools, especially those located within driving distance of Cary." The reaction from HBCU coaches is also encouraging. "This gives a chance for the HBCU schools to showcase their talents," stated Halcyon M. Blake, Director of Track&Field/Cross Country for Winston-Salem University. Those comments were echoed by Michelle Lattimer, Head Cross Country Coach for Bowie State University. "The opportunity to have my athletes compete on a circuit with other HBCU colleges and universities is a great opportunity because often our paths do not cross." For more information on the Robert Shumake Historically Black College & University Challenge and the Great American Cross-Country Festival, please visit the event website at www.nationalscholastic.org/greatamerican. Who is Dr. Robert Shumake? Dr. Robert S. Shumake is the founder of Inheritance Investment Group, a Michigan based real estate investment and development firm. As founder and president, Dr. Shumake invests, manages and develops commercial and residential real estate. He has implemented policies and funding strategies to raise capital for small businesses, mortgage loans, commercial leasing and specialized financing. His vision is to expand housing opportunities for people dreaming the American dream of owning a home. To learn more about Dr. Robert Shumake please visit his website at www.robertshumake.com.

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