Oak Park Middle School was full of smiles during its field day on Wednesday, where several Olympians joined the Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation and the USA Track & Field Foundation for a day of fun and inspiration. The visit aimed to encourage students to push beyond their perceived limits and pursue their goals.

The Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation and the USA Track & Field Foundation served as outstanding partners, providing students with meaningful mentorship and athletic opportunities in just three short hours.

Before each session, students heard powerful motivational messages from Kiesha Bishop, mother of Olympic champion Noah Lyles, and Olympian Sharrieffa Barksdale. Bishop encouraged students to look beyond their shortcomings and believe in their limitless potential. Barksdale challenged them to work hard, maintain a winning attitude and understand the importance of strong character.

Following the messages, students rotated through eight competitive track and field stations. At the conclusion of the events, each student received a certificate of completion, a medal and a swag bag to commemorate the experience.

“Personally, the day was incredibly special,” Oak Park Principal Dr. Langley says. “Our students had the opportunity to stand in the presence of greatness, hear firsthand what it takes to succeed and then simply enjoy being kids at play. Many walked away inspired, and even today, the excitement and conversations continue. Both organizations complimented our students on their excellent behavior, and I am grateful to our faculty, staff and volunteers from Church of the Lakes who came together to support the event.”

The day felt unified and purpose-driven. Experiences like this have the power to ignite purpose, serve as a turning point for some and remind students they can succeed despite adversity. Organizers say the event created lasting memories and renewed hope for many participants.

Lake County Schools thanked the partners for supporting and encouraging students to be their best.

USA Track & Field is the national governing body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. Based in Indianapolis, the organization oversees one of the most widely participated sports in the country, with more than 30 million adult runners and a strong presence at the high school and Olympic levels.

Olympian Sharrieffa Barksdale has a decorated career in track and field. In 1982, she became the first woman in the 400-meter hurdles to run under 55 seconds, breaking the American record. She went on to win a silver medal at the 1983 Pan American Games, compete at the first World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, and represent the United States at the 1984 Olympic Games.

Following her Olympic career, Sharrieffa continued competing internationally for more than 15 years. She later earned Masters Athlete of the Year honors from the USATF Kentucky Association in 2008. Today, she serves as Senior Manager of USA Track & Field Alumni Relations and is also the owner of One-on-One Training Academy and co-founder of Born 2 Be Elite alongside four-time Olympic medalist Justin Gatlin.

The Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation was created to empower youth through health and wellness initiatives. In addition to financial support, the organization provides resources related to mental health, college preparation, anti-bullying and stress management for athletes and their support systems.

Kiesha Caine Bishop, co-founder and president of the foundation, is a life coach, Seton Hall University Hall of Famer and 10-time NCAA All-American. She is also the mother of Olympic champion Noah Lyles, a professional track athlete and co-founder of the organization.

Through the foundation’s work, thousands of young people across multiple states and countries have been reached with messages of growth, resilience and self-belief. The organization continues to expand its impact through the support of partners, sponsors and private donors.

By supporting these initiatives, community members play a direct role in helping expand programs, inspire young people facing challenges and provide tools to help them pursue their dreams.