Hamden Middle School Sports Restored With Quinnipiac Donation: Mayor

HAMDEN, CT — After initially being eliminated as part of $3.3 million in cuts from the Board of Education budget, the Hamden Middle School sports program will continue next year thanks to a “generous donation” from Quinnipiac University, Mayor Lauren Garrett announced Friday.

“As Mayor, I understand the importance of athletics for our Hamden families, and as a mom of a kid headed to Hamden Middle School this fall, we are excited to cheer for our young Hamden Dragons,” Garrett said in a statement. “Thank you, Quinnipiac University, for providing this funding. Quinnipiac shares our commitment to student-athletes and is a proven good neighbor to the Town of Hamden.”

Quinnipiac University President Judy D. Olian said, “The well-being of the entire community of Hamden is a vital priority for Quinnipiac University. We are delighted and gratified to be able to support middle school sports — investing in the future success and healthy development of the youth of Hamden.”

Read more from the Hamden Mayor’s Office below:

Sports provide not only physical fitness opportunities, which are important for mental health, but also cultivate important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and leadership, and help mitigate youth being disconnected from school.

These programs provide a safe, inclusive environment that aids in developing the social, emotional, and mental growth of our students, promoting a well-rounded educational experience and providing a sense of belonging within the community.

Sports play a vital role in the overall development and well-being of our students.

Quinnipiac University’s VP for Strategy and Community Relations and Chief of Staff, Bethany C. Zemba, said, “We are pleased to show our support for Hamden's middle school athletics, which is in direct alignment with our Building Bobcats program, a community outreach initiative led by QU athletics, designed to foster youth player development and encourage the expansion of youth sports in the Greater New Haven region.”