The Russellville High School Class of 1988 – Chucky Mullins Scholarship Committee hosted a youth football funday along with a pro bowl for students with special needs June 15 at the Chucky Mullins Center in Russellville.

The event for kids aged seven and up featured a funday that included a flag football game and basketball. Children received instruction and words of encouragement from a trio of former football players that played at the highest levels of the sport.

Sammie Coates, Chad Slade and Don Jones were a big part of the event, and the children enjoyed playing flag football with the football stars. Coates was a receiver at Auburn University and went on to play in the National Football League. Slade also played for Auburn before entering the NFL as an offensive lineman and Jones was a safety at Arkansas State before playing in the NFL.

The event is one of many ways the RHS Class of 1988 remembers Mullins and his legacy. “Just to be a part of how the class carries on his name is amazing,” Coates said. “It’s also always good to get to hang out with guys you played with in college. It helps keep the community close and to keep these kids believing. That’s the goal, it’s all about keeping faith in yourself and believing in yourself to become something special.”

The funday is a way to learn while also enjoying competition. “That’s what sports is, it brings fun, it brings happiness and it brings smiles. That’s our goal, to keep smiles on people’s faces and to keep these kids believing in themselves,” Coates added.

The children were also treated to lunch and received autographed footballs and photos from Coates, Slade and Jones. Grit balls were awarded to the kids that showed the most grit.