Personified the tradition of stepping and service
In an innovative and creative display of talent, members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s New Jersey Citywide chapter stepped to victory during the first ever Sprite Step Off’s National Championship. The culminating event was held at the Atlanta Civic Center on Saturday, February 20, 2010 to an audience of 15,000 spectators. Fourteen teams representing regional finalists from six regions competed until the early morning hours.
In winning the third place prize, the Sigma brothers received a $25,000 scholarship prize and participated in service with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “I am truly proud of the level of showmanship, professionalism and great expression of diversity shown by our Sigma brothers. They truly showcased the real tradition of stepping and represented the fraternity well,” shares Honorable Brother Jimmy Hammock, International President.
Competing against four Alpha Phi Alpha teams, one Kappa Alpha Psi team, and one Iota Phi Theta team, the five talented Sigma steppers gave the audience a great deal to appreciate the art of stepping. “Their performance was engaging and exciting, yet very educational, as a main feature was a tribute to our African ancestors with Mother Africa Step,” says Brother Marco W. McMillian, International Executive Director.
The brothers also demonstrated the Fraternity’s commitment to service by visiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to perform and spread the art of stepping. As a part of The Sprite Step Off Service Challenge, the aim was to inspire youth towards the pursuit of higher education by donating children’s books at the local Ronald McDonald House.
The national championship’s first place winners were Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Xi Chapter at Central State University, Wilberforce, OH for fraternities; and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Chapter, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN and Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Epsilon Chapter at The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, tied for the sororities. Each chapter received $100,000 in first prize winnings.
The Sigma team was one of six step teams featured on The Sprite Step Off on MTV2. Hosted by Ludacris, the six-part series follows the teams as they compete in the largest national step team competition in history. You can also check out profiles of the featured step teams on MTV2.com. The show airs Sundays at 3:00 PM EST.
