Birmingham Crossplex celebrates 13th birthday with back-to-school celebration

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The Birmingham Crossplex is celebrating 13 years of serving the Five Points West area in the Magic City.

The athletic facility held a birthday celebration and back-to-school giveaway Saturday. The Crossplex is known for hosting world-class athletes. Children and families celebrated the end of summer and prepared for a new school year

“We want the neighborhood to realize that this a facility that’s for them,” said Joel Simmons, the sports events manager at the Crossplex. “It’s not just for world-class athletes. It’s actually a facility they can take part in as well.”

The neighborhood showed up. Children and adults enjoyed food trucks, giveaways and tours of the facility.

“I won a bike. I’m really excited,” 8-year-old Christian Powell said.

Christian rode away from the celebration with a brand-new bicycle. Even with his new wheels, Christian is more excited about getting back to school as a third grader.

Simmons said seeing children like Christian happy is exactly what he envisioned for the event

“It really warms my heart,” Simmons said. “We felt we could kick off the new school by providing something they can utilize.”

The Crossplex hopes to plan more events that will open the facilities up to the public.

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