Our Background & Experience
The James Ihedigbo Invitational is a sports clinic hosted by James Ihedigbo, alum of Amherst Regional High School, UMass-Amherst, and current member of the Super Bowl XLVII Champion Baltimore Ravens. It started
in 2012 as an initiative from two UMass Amherst freshmen, members of the Association of Diversity in Sports (ADS), a premier sport management club. Scheduled for April 20, 2013, this year's event will be attended by student-athletes from all over the Massachusetts
area and will take place in the Amherst Regional High School Field. The day consists of a welcome speech by James, individual drills run by James and his coaches, and 7 on 7 scrimmages followed by lunch and an award presentation. It proved to be a success
for both the athletes and James.
Our Vehicle For Success
Under the promise of “bigger and better”, this year’s event is looking to evolve to a whole different level. James is looking to bring 3-4 NFL comrades to revolutionize the clinic. Because of that, we are reaching
out to over 200 student-athletes from high schools and their coaches from all around the Massachusetts area. The goal of the clinic is not solely to shape the players athletically, but also mentally. James’ natural enthusiasm and inclination towards giving,
shows another face of the NFL; all participants will hopefully be moved by it. At the end of the day we will not be looking only at better players, but at better people.
The Future We Are Creating
The proceeds of the event go towards the HOPE Africa foundation. Started by a Nigerian-American family who knows first-hand the sacrifices involved in leaving one’s home, attaining an elite education and giving
back, HOPE Africa wants to boost future young African leaders. To achieve its goal, HOPE Africa provides academic scholarships and a broader structure: volunteer opportunities, internships and a network of people to help them create sustainable projects with
the aim of establishing a continuing system of resources for future generations.