Gladiators King: a community focus

Published on February 12, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release


Las Vegas Gladiators Quarterback Shaun King is not only an outstanding leader on the field, but has shown dedication to the youth in his community through both his Shaun King Foundation and King's Kids Program. Both of these organizations have a strong mission of providing educational and cultural programs to underprivileged youth.

King's football career began in 1999 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he led Tampa Bay to a 4-1 record in the final five weeks of the regular season. He has combined for 31 touchdowns (26 passing, 5 rushing) in 31 career appearances and has completed 368 of 654 passes for 4,064 yards. King enters his first season in the Arena Football League with the Las Vegas Gladiators, signing with them in December of 2006.

"One of the things that is so unique about Shaun is not just his talent on the field, but the work he has done off the field" said Head Coach Danton Barto. "Giving back to the community has been a huge part of my life and it is great to have a quarterback with such skill on the field be so dedicated to kids in his community".

King's work is focused in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, where his community work has reached hundreds of children through the Shaun King Foundation and partnerships with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast. He established the Foundation in 2003, with the mission of providing educational and cultural programs to underprivileged youth in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties in Florida.

He also has created the King's Kids Program, which is a collaborative effort between the Shaun King Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast. The program is a 3-year plan to expose children in Shaun's hometown of St. Petersburg to local, national and international government. The Foundation supports Shaun's primary goal of teaching all children that they have the opportunity and the responsibility to participate in the betterment of their community by becoming active citizens in the political process of American government.

The first year focused on the Florida State Government, with a trip to the State Capital in Tallahassee, Florida. The group was able to spend time with Governor Jeb Bush during the three day tour of the state Capitol.

The second year concentrated on United States Government with a trip to the Nation's Capital of Washington D.C. This phase was completed in July of 2005, when he traveled with a group of students from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast to tour the White House, the Pentagon, national monuments and a tour of the Capitol.

The third and final phase focused on International Government, with a trip to visit the United Nations in New York and NATO in Brussels, Belgium. This was completed in July of 2006 when he traveled with 26 kids to New York City. They attended a Yankees game, visited Rockefellar Center, numerous embassies, MTV and VH1. The kids also became involved in a mach session at the United Nations. The Shaun King Foundation funded all trips costs including luggage and clothing for the kids.

"I have been so blessed in my life and because of that I have always tried to use that as a blessing for others" said Las Vegas Gladiators Quarterback Shaun King. "The work I do outside of the football field is very important to me and I am excited to become involved with the youth in the Las Vegas Community".

Kings' interest in politics goes beyond educating youth, but on a more personal note as well. He has done a number of speaking appearances for organizations that support youth political programs in Florida. He was recently appointed by Florida Governor Jeb Bush to the Board of Directors of Volunteer Florida, the Governor's non-profit agency that manages all the volunteer programs through out the state of Florida. He was also given the key to the City of St. Petersburg on February 13, 2003.

"Shaun King is going to be a tremendous addition to the Las Vegas Gladiators not only because of his athletic ability that he will offer the team on the field, but also what he is going to offer the community of Las Vegas." President and General Manager Sam Jankovich said.

The Las Vegas Gladiators will continue to promote educational, athletic, health, social, charitable and community programs with a significant focus on Las Vegas youth programming. As an organization we will continue to support civic and charitable organizations with a goal of enriching community members' lives and spreading the excitement and community commitment of the Arena Football League. The Gladiators are excited to have the opportunity to work with Shaun King and continue to support the youth in our community. For more information on Shaun King and his foundation please visit www.shaunking.net or www.lvgladiators.com.

The Gladiators will kickoff their 5th season on the road March 4th against the Austin Wranglers at 1pm. Season tickets for the 2007 Las Vegas Gladiators home schedule are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Las Vegas Gladiators office at 702-731-4977.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 12, 2007


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