Nearly 2000 Philadelphia-area public-school children did some dreaming at Drexel University this spring as they learned how sports and education could help them prepare for success.

"Drexel iDREAM 2002" was a one-day innovative life-skills program that introduced the inner-city children to topics such as goal-setting, discipline, nutrition, exercise and developing self-esteem.

Much of the event, which took place at Drexel's John A. Daskalakis Athletic Center, was planned by Drexel's Student-Athlete Advisory Board.

The youngsters heard several presentations, participated in a variety of activities and also observed a life-skills program performed by Drexel student-athletes. The host for the festivities was comedian and Philadelphia-area disc jockey Dee Lee.

Candace Crabtree, head coach of the Drexel women's basketball team, was among those who addressed and encouraged the children.

"Drexel iDREAM enables me to position my players as big sisters to the many young people in the Philadelphia community," Crabtree said. "Now is the time for these young kids to start dreaming and thinking about college -- it is not that far off."

It was a day full of many different activities, all with the same focus -- education allows people to dream big and fulfill their dreams, whatever they may be.

Others addressing the children included Drexel Athletics Director Eric Zillmer and Tracy Sneed, special assistant to the mayor of Philadelphia, who brought a special welcome from mayor John F. Street.

The morning activities also incorporated the student-athletes from the women's basketball team at the College of William and Mary, who were the Lady Dragons' opponents in the game that afternoon.

A special Black History Month celebration at lunch featured poet Langston Hughes, the latest African-American honored in the U. S. Postal Service's Black Heritage Commemorative Stamp Series.

Those planning and marketing the event were able to lure some big-name corporate sponsors, including Amtrak, Coca-Cola, Lockheed Martin, Nickelodeon and others, so there were prizes and goodie bags for the kids and other promotion activities before and during the game.

The children were encouraged to cheer their designated Lady Dragons player and many brought posters and signs to wave during the game, though William and Mary took home the win.

The student-athletes who participated in the event came away ready to do it again.

"Drexel iDREAM Day was a remarkable opportunity to reach out and inspire young children," said Heather Welborn, a senior guard for the Lady Dragons.

"The children's energy and enthusiasm were unmatched and almost electric. As players, we were teachers and role models for the day, and we really enjoyed every moment. We already are planning for next year because the feedback was so great."