LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Courtesy Automotive Group and UL Lafayette teamed up for their annual "Training 4 Life" Fun Day at the Blackham Coliseum in Lafayette.

The massive event hosts several hundred local children from the various Acadiana-area Boys & Girls Clubs along with about one hundred volunteers to help supervise the special day of interactive activities, positivity, inspiration and fun.

“Just teaching them and showing them that there's always a good path you can follow even when things go bad," Courtesy Automotive Group's COO, Michelle Hargroder said. "There's always someone you can find that you can talk to that can mentor you, that can help you, guide you in the right direction.”

A day filled with fun connection and community, Hargroder said the goal is to create lasting bonds with other club members and gain a mentor.

“A lot of kids here, don't have a mentor or somebody to guide them in the right direction. So here we hope they meet and create a relationship with the other clubs. Some of the counselors here, any of the players here, and have somebody to look towards to guide them in the right direction,” she said. "We found that this is a really good program because it gives these kids somebody to look up to. They may not have that at home. So we're hoping we can provide that, that they have guidance for the rest of their lives and someone who can mentor them to do the right things; always choose the right path, even though they don't have that back at home."

Combining fitness with arts and crafts, the event allows one-on-one time with local community heroes.

 “By spending time one-on-one with these people, we hope that they do find a mentor here and someone that they look forward to coming back and seeing every year,” she concluded.

In years past, the event included guest appearances by local community heroes; Carencro native Kevin Faulk and Brandon Mitchell who are among former professional athletes who have been highly involved in the event since its inception. Also, last year, local TikTok star John Weatherall stopped by and taught the crowd his viral "Mr. Weatherall" Dance.

The event also included performances by UL's Ragin' Jazz dance team and members of the UL Lafayette baseball, cheerleading and track & field teams. The highlight of the day is always the talent show, where club members showcase their skills and creativity. 

Admission to the event is free, but registration is required through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana. Learn more on their website.

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