Al Peavy

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DOBSON — Al Peavy, former president of the Mount Airy Youth Foundation, will receive Ring Of Honor recognition by the Surry County Sports Hall of Fame Commitee in a ceremony being held today at the Surry Community College gymnasium at 4 p.m.

He was named president of the foundation in 1986 and worked energetically with the Mount Airy sports community to raise money for high school sports for more than 17 years.

Their mission statement is “to provide the best facilities, equiptment, uniforms and such. Whatever is needed for the athletic teams for both boys and girls,” stated Peavy.

Some venues of fund-raising have included hot dog sales, golf tournaments, season passes and advertising. “We could raise anywhere from $600 to $650 and we made it a point to be fair to all teams,” said Peavy. He added that financial sponsors continue to make so much possible for the sports community.

During Peavy’s presidency, he implemented the youth foundation ID pass program that allows all students to get into any sporting event that is held at the high school and elementary school in Mount Airy.

“All they have to do is show their picture card that is like a driver’s license and get in free.”

He is the most proud of this program, he stated, “because it helps the whole student body get involved in sports.”

Peavy was also quick to point out the band is considered part of the athletic department.

The foundation raised more than $1 million under Peavy’s leadership. After the money was raised, Peavy said the MAYF scouted in conjuction with coaches and athletic directors to decide what was needed most for each sport.

Peavy currently serves on the board of directors of the MAYF and is always ready to take an opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to his family, he said.

“Real sports families never really get out of sports, we just retire until we are needed again,” he concluded.

A memorial ceremony conducted by the Surry County Sports and Recreation Department in conjuction with The Sports Hall of Fame committee will be held at Fisher River Park at 3 p.m. Immediately following with be the Hall of Fame induction event at the college.

The event will be open to the public.