Sports Camp in Aberdeen Promotes Christian Fellowship

Former Philadelphia Eagle Ray Sydnor has always had a history of giving back to the community. 

The Baltimore native worked with students in the Baltimore City Public School System and runs his own non-profit organization, Mentoring Academics Athletics Partnership, where has been the youth pastor for more than 13 years. 

“[MAAP is] is a grassroots, community-based mentoring program that provides year around athletic, academic and community building programs to fortify young people, strengthen and enrich community life in our community,” Sydnor said. 

This summer, MAAP is sponsoring sports camps for youth. 

Sydnor, 53, is the former national spokesperson for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His wife, Patricia, and their two children, Jalani and Nigel, are volunteers with the sports camps held in Aberdeen and Elkton.

Camps are held at Elkton Christian Academy from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13.

Boys and girls ages 7 to 18 can participate and learn athletic fundamentals in soccer, football and basketball. Bibles, snacks and prizes are also provided.

Antonio Fliggins, former New York Jets player, is one of the celebrity coaches providing football fundamentals.

Beyond his work in Baltimore, Sydnor has had a vision for local and international ministry. Specifically, Sydnor's goal is to create partnerships with local high schools to incorporate a program called "Fifth Quarters," which combines chapel services and games for children.

"We are in need of churches to sponsor pre-game meals—these special youth rallies will include pizza, games and chapel services," Sydnor said.  

Local businesses and churches like Helping Hands Ministries, Living Word, Chesapeake Golf, Signature Trash Removal, Century 21 and WalMart have given Sydnor their support.

"Since we have come into this community, the favor of God has shown up," Sydnor said. 

For more information about the sports camp, contact the camp administrator, Patricia Sydnor, at 443-488-3005.