Spokane's Washington Named AFL Pulse Player of the Week
March 29, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
CHICAGO - Spokane Shock wide receiver Mike Washington has been named the AFL Pulse Player of the Week for his recent philanthropic efforts.
Washington (5-8, 175, Hawaii) is in his fourth season in the AFL and his first with the Shock. The receiver recently visited an after school program at HUB Sports Center to speak with at-risk kids about the importance of education. Following the speech, he organized a mini-football camp along with fellow Shock wide receiver Adron Tennell.
"We talked to junior high school athletes about what you have to do to play in college and professionally," Washington said. "We discussed how the dedication you put in at a young age will be vital and important to your success at the high school level and beyond."
Last week, he visited Summit School with teammate Terrance Sanders and spoke to kindergarten-through-eighth graders about their definition of the word "Ëdiligence'. Following the speeches, the players took pictures and signed autographs.
"We discussed how it takes motivation and hard work to be successful and how that got me to where I am today," Washington said. "I told them to set goals, write them down, have a plan and always be two to three steps ahead of the competition."
In addition, Washington is passionate about educating the public on the importance of nutrition.
"In the future, I want to do more volunteering with nutrition because I am a certified nutritionist," Washington said. "I want to spread the word about being healthy and leading a healthy lifestyle."
As a professional athlete, Washington believes he has the platform to use his status to have a positive impact in the community.
"There's a big Spokane Shock community out here," Washington said. "Since I represent the Shock, I might as well use my voice to be a leader in the community instead of just being a football player because even though that's temporary, you can leave a lasting impact on other people through community service."
Washington and the Shock (1-1) have a bye this week. They return to action next week against a division-rival when they face the San Jose SaberCats (2-0). The AFL Pulse Player of the Week is awarded each week in recognition of AFL players' commitment to community service. The AFL Pulse Al Lucas Hero of the Year will be awarded to one player at the end of the 2014 season.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from March 29, 2014
- Gladiators Defeat VooDoo 37-26 - Cleveland Gladiators
- Sharks Dominate Talons in 63-22 Victory - Jacksonville Sharks
- Predators Remain Undefeated with 56-52 Victory over Storm - Orlando Predators
- Orlando's Boltus, Two Late Touchdowns Stops Tampa Bay Storm, 56-52 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Spokane's Washington Named AFL Pulse Player of the Week - Spokane Shock
- Pittsburgh Power Derail SaberCats in 48-47 Victory at Home - Pittsburgh Power
- SaberCats Fall Short in Pittsburgh, Lose 48-47 - San Jose SaberCats
- Saturday's Game - What You Need to Know - Jacksonville Sharks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
