Normal Park Museum Magnet and Lightening Athletic Club invite the community to hear writer David Epstein and former UT Vols Coach Phillip Fulmer speak. The event is part of Normal Park’s on-going gym-raising fundraiser.
Mr. Epstein is the author of the 2013 New York Times bestseller, The Sports Gene, an award-winning nonfiction book that explores the effects of genetics and sports training on human athleticism. Mr. Epstein, a former TEDTalk speaker and senior writer for Sports Illustrated, currently writes for ProPublica. His focus is on the great nature vs. nurture debate and what role science plays in athletics.
Coach Fulmer served as head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers football team from 1992 to 2008, compiling a 152–52 record. He is best known for coaching the Volunteers in the first ever BCS National Championship Game in 1998, defeating Florida State University.
Normal Park fundraising organizers chose Mr. Fulmer and Mr. Epstein to headline the event because of their expertise and ongoing support of the athletic lifestyle. Organizers consider Mr. Epstein the top sports science and medicine investigative journalist in modern history and believe he has the potential to inspire the community to raise the gym. Coach Fulmer is highly regarded within the community for his high integrity and leading the UT Vols to many victories.
Normal Park principal, Jill Levine, calls the gym a “missing link,” something that will take the school’s well-rounded curriculum to the next level.
Mr. Fulmer and Mr. Epstein will speak on Monday, Feb. 22 at the historic Tivoli Theater at 7 p.m. Tickets, including a limited number of VIP tickets that include a meet and greet with both speakers, are now available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased at raisethegym.brownpapertickets.com.
Tax-deductible event sponsorship opportunities fall into four categories, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Ticket proceeds will go towards Normal Park’s goal of raising $500,000. Through sponsorship, Normal Park hopes to offer event tickets to coaches, student athletes and young sports enthusiasts at no cost. The school says the valuable knowledge gained from those in attendance will be tools to apply to their athletic and academic development.
Anyone interested in assisting with raising the gym or sponsoring the event can contact Barbara Perdomo at baqperdomo@gmail.com. All checks can be sent to The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga at 1270 Market St. Chattanooga, Tn. 37405. Reference Normal Park Gym in the check memo.
“I am proud that my neighborhood school has achieved acclaim across the country for the tremendous education it is providing for students,” Senator Bob Corker said. “The school’s leadership, faculty and staff have developed a bold vision for the future, and I believe their “can-do” approach will ensure Normal Park children continue to be prepared for future success.”
For additional information visit facebook.com/raisethegym.
To make an online contribution to the gym fund visit https://cfgc.caritas247.com/Donate.aspx?dcid=NPGF.
To purchase tickets to the event visit raisetheygym.brownpapertickets.com.