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The Big 10 Conference made its annual trip to Selma on July 13.

Athletes in various sports visited the First Baptist Church, hearing speeches from Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. and City Council President Billy Young.

The Big 10 then presented a $7,500 check to the City of Selma’s Parks and Recreation Department at First Baptist Church. Young said the funds will be used to renovate and repair the concession stand at Memorial Stadium.

One hundred twenty-five athletes from all 18 Big Ten schools, including coaches and school and conference administrators, stuffed back-to-school backpacks filled with school supplies for the Selma City School students.

They also walked across Edmund Pettus Bridge.

“The Conference surprised us this year and presented a check,” Young said. “I thank the Big 10 for seeing the value in restoring Historic Selma, Alabama.”

Perkins appreciated the donation and was glad to see the Big 10 come into Selma.

Southern California track and field hurdler Di’Niko Bates said she enjoyed the trip and saw it as a learning experience.

“Being a less fortunate child, I definitely wish I had something going like this from my backyard in Oakland. So just to be in my position (to help out) is always a blessing,” Bates said.

Maryland head football coach Mike Locksley, who served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator under former Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, also attended.

“We talk about the Big Ten, the best of both worlds, education as well as sports,” Locksley said. “It’s important putting the resources into our student-athletes to understand this history to be able to take back to their campuses and hopefully make a difference in the lives of their teammates.”