A giant athletic and life learning complex for the region's young people is rising just south of Tallahassee. A ribbon cutting to open the Champions Ranch multi-purpose sports field took place on Thursday, Oct. 29.
Hundreds of project supporters attended the event and cheered as dozens of project organizers and contributors cut the ribbon.
Champions Ranch is the longtime vision of two-sport college star, NBA player and now FAMU Basketball Head Coach Charlie Ward and his wife Tonja. Coach Ward welcomed the crowd to start the ceremonial festivities.
"We're grateful that you guys, you're here to see what God has done and what God is going to do."
Not only God but also the Florida Legislature is helping drive the project. Jason Shoaf is state representative for rural North Florida's District Seven. He's a big Champions Ranch fan.
"One, you're providing a wonderful environment with great mentors, but also you're inspiring kids to play a sport who may not want to because they don't want to play in the pasture."
The field is phase one of three project segments. It will eventually grow to a massive complex teaching, not only sports, but also character, academics, art and leadership.
