Born Again Jocks, BAA marks milestones with donation

Born Again Jocks and Bloomington Athletic Association joined forces to provide athletic opportunities for Bloomington youth.

The Born Again Jocks recently presented Bloomington Athletic Association with a check on March 27 for $6,000. The donation will be used for the BAA’s Sports Scholarship fund for a second consecutive year. The fund allows more kids to participate in BAA programs regardless of families’ ability to pay fees.

Last year, BAA provided 191 scholarships totaling nearly $20,000.

The connection was forged thanks to Arnie Johnson, who was a founder of both BAJ and BAA.

BAA president Rob Collins noted the rich history and connections through a press release as BAJs mark its 40th anniversary and BAA its 70th anniversary in 2024.

In addition to the donation to BAA, the BAJs donated $4,000 to Jefferson and Kennedy High Schools through four $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to one male and female senior at each school.

Recipients will be announced at the annual awards program at each school.

The funds for the donations were raised by the BAJ’s annual pancake breakfast fundraiser the first Sunday in October with the BAJs serving more than 1,000 guests. In addition to breakfast, funds were raised through a silent auction.

The BAJs boasts approximately 500 members offering opportunities in golf, bowling, biking, tennis, bocce ball, softball and volleyball throughout the year for men age 55 and older.

The BAJs serve the greater Bloomington community with fitness, fellowship and good-natured competition with a spirit of friendship without dues or membership fees. Those interested can find more information at bornagainjocks.org, on the BAJ Facebook page or by calling Lyle Abeln at 952-693-6956.

Follow Jason Olson on Twitter @Jason0lson or @SunSportsJason.

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(Submitted photo)

Bloomington Athletic Association President Rob Collins, left, accepts a donation on behalf of the Born Again Jocks from BAJ treasurer and co-chair of their annual pancake breakfast Ralph Bartolotta.