THERMAL, CA – A donation of football uniforms and NFL-approved and used Riddell SpeedFlex and Shute helmets was made to three Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) high school football teams: Coachella Valley High School, Desert Mirage, and West Shores High School. The gift represents the deep ties between Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and the CVUSD. A presentation of the new equipment took place with tribal leadership, CVUSD Superintendent Dr. Luis R. Valentino, Ed.D, the district’s Assistant Superintendent, athletic directors, and Dr. Williams, Director of Secondary Education at CVUSD who all were on hand to deliver and accept the donation.
“Football is an important part of the Coachella Valley culture, and we are committed to our kids in making sure that sports and safety go hand in hand within our school system,” said Twenty-Nine Palms Chairman Darrell Mike. “I am personally committed to safety first with sports for all of our students, including my own children. We are donating the newest in football helmet technology, which is being used by the NFL and college teams. Our athletes deserve the same protection. What football brings to our schools and our community is a wonderful weekly experience throughout the fall. We look forward to seeing our local teams have a successful and safe season with this new equipment.”
“This is a tremendous gift to our over 200 students who comprise the teams of our three high schools,” said CVUSD Superintendent Dr. Luis R. Valentino, Ed.D. “The generosity of Chairman Darrell Mike and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is not only supportive of enhanced safety standards, but the empowerment also given with the presentation of new gear and uniforms makes for proud players and an enhanced sense of team and school spirit.”
