'First Down Ride Along' Event Slated In Cedar Park

CEDAR PARK, TX — The "First Down Ride Along" community policing program is scheduled this Friday, police officials said.

Featuring former Longhorn Mike Davis, the event hosted by the Cedar Park Police Department will showcase the Cedar Park High School football. The free social justice program is designed to help bridge the gap between community youth and the police department through a curriculum-based Q&A session and sports clinic for at-risk or underserved youth the help from the pro athlete, organizers described in an advisory.

Organized by the BamFam Foundation, the initiative centers on the professional athlete driving an officer around town (the titular drive-along) during a neighborhood patrol of sorts. During stops along the way, conversations are sparked on the community's needs, officials said. After the ride-along comes a sports clinic and curriculum-based session with youth promoting positive interactions with law enforcement officers, according to an advisory.

Discussions center on education, community/police relations, racial equality, and economic development empowering athletes, sports leaders, and the community to become effective advocates for change, according to event organizers. BamFam Foundation aims to foster positive relationships/experiences and productive citizens by engaging youth in dynamic sport-related community programs and events by working in partnership with, professional athletes, counselors, teachers, law enforcement, military, first responders, and other community-based organizations, officials wrote.

Image provided by Cedar Park Police Department.

The Friday event is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Cedar Park High School, 2150 Cypress Creek Rd. Those wishing to donate to the BamFam Foundation can do so by clicking here. Follow on Twitter & Instagram @BamFam501c3 and on Facebook at BamFam Foundation.

Editor's note: D'Onta Foreman — former Texas Longhorn player and running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League — was expected to attend before havingt to cancel due to a scheduling event.