Just in time for Christmas
by Glenda Bailey, Sports Writer

Charles Grant passes out gift cards to local athletes

On behalf of the Access Granted program and Charles Grant's Sustaining Awareness through Community Knowledge (SACK) Success Foundation, 80 top student athletes from Miller, Early and Seminole counties were selected to meet with Charles at the Bainbridge Wal-Mart Center. The Foundation's objective is to promote programs that enhance the quality of life for children and families by assisting in community revitalization, educational development, wellness, and financial empowerment.

Charles Grant is from Colquitt, and is extremely dedicated to giving back to his community. Each spring he hosts the Annual Charles Grant Kids Day for youth and families in the surrounding counties. This winter, he wanted to do something for special youths during the holiday season by recognizing some of the 100 top student athletes in these surrounding counties: 40 students from Miller County- - Grant's hometown, 20 students from Early County and 20 students from Seminole County. There were 20 Decatur County student athletes that were to receive the gift cards, but names were not submitted by the school administration.

Charles Grant giving.

Each student athlete received a $50.00 gift card from Charles and before the interview and gracious giving by Grant was over he had up the gift to $75.00 per gift card.

Everyone here in Miller County and the surrounding counties knows Charles Grant and knows how hard he has worked to accomplish what he has done thus far. Grant started his career right here in Colquitt playing Pirate Football. Every Friday night it was exciting to watch him along with the Pirate Football team under the coaching ability of Coach Ronnie McNease, Coach Alan Ingram, and Coach Frank Killingsworth. In a telephone conversation with Coach Killingsworth he stated, "I was glad to see Charles giving to the communities and I know that it meant a lot to the kids."

Grant's career in high school was outstanding. The memories are galore watching him powerhouse over opponents. Sometimes the star athlete would point his finger to the Pirate fans. It was awesome to see him. The Roothawg linemen were awesome for opening holes for Grant to break out into a gallop. After high school, Charles Grant went on to Hardgrave Military Academy for one year, then on to Athens to play with the Georgia Bulldogs. The "Big Dog" stood out at Athens with his athletic ability playing defensive end. In the Spring of 2002, Charles Grant was drafted in the first round pick (25th pick) by the New Orleans Saints.

In the six years that Charles has played for the New Orleans Saints, he has played in 92 games with 270 solo tackles and 75 assists for a total of 345 tackles. He has thus far has 37.5 sacks for 240 yards loss, one interception for eight yards, and one defensive touchdown.

Grant stated, "You can be anything you want to be. I came from a small town and went on to be a football player and dean's list student at the University of Georgia. Now I am a professional football player. I am 29 years old and I have accomplished a lot. You are also capable of accomplishing a lot. Choose your friends wisely and don't let anyone lead you in wrong direction. You can be a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or anything you want to be."

The gift cards were a reward for the athletes' achievements on the fields, the courts as well as in the classroom. The students were selected by the administrations and faculties at each high school. In New Orleans, Grant who is dedicated to his community and has provided assistance at the Children's Hospitals and helps the disable.

Charles Grant is to be thanked for all he does for our local youth and for our communities. His dedication to his family, friends and community is much appreciated.