Gerald Turner: Giving Back, Opening Doors and Keeping the Fountain City Classic Legacy Alive

For Fountain City Classic volunteer Gerald Turner, the annual celebration is about much more than football. It is about creating opportunities, investing in education and inspiring the next generation to reach new heights.

As the Fountain City Classic continues its longstanding tradition of bringing together Fort Valley State University and Albany State University, dedicated volunteers remain at the heart of its success.

Among them is Gerald Turner, whose commitment to service reflects a simple but powerful philosophy: When you reach the top, don't pull up the ladder behind you. Instead, help someone else climb.

In this interview with the Courier Eco Latino Newspaper, Turner shares what inspired him to volunteer, the Classic's impact on the Columbus community and his hopes for its future.

Q: What inspired you to become a volunteer member of the Fountain City Classic Committee, and what does being part of this longstanding community tradition mean to you personally?

Gerald Turner: My inspiration comes from wanting to give something back and help other people. I've always believed that when you have been blessed with opportunities and have achieved something in life, you have a responsibility to help somebody else along the way.

I don't want to be the person who climbs the mountain, reaches the top and then pulls up the ladder or rope so nobody else can follow. That's not what life should be about. I want to help others climb that mountain, too.

Being part of the Fountain City Classic gives me an opportunity to do just that. It's a chance to give back, support young people and contribute to something that makes a difference in our community.

Q: The Fountain City Classic is more than just a football game. How do you believe the Classic impacts the Columbus community, particularly through its scholarship programs, educational opportunities and economic contributions?

Gerald Turner: When you look at the economic impact of the Fountain City Classic on Columbus, I think it speaks for itself. The revenue generated for our city is outstanding. People come here, stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and support local businesses. That makes a tremendous difference.

But what I really want people to understand is that the Fountain City Classic is not just about athletics. It's about academics, too. We put just as much emphasis on the educational side as we do on the athletic side. Through scholarships and other opportunities, we're helping young people pursue their education and prepare for their futures.

You don't have to be a football player or even an athlete to benefit from what the Fountain City Classic does. That's what makes this event so special. We're not just celebrating what happens on the football field. We're investing in what happens in the classroom and in the lives of young people long after the game is over.

Q: As a volunteer who helps make the Fountain City Classic successful each year, what do you hope future generations will remember about the Classic, and what would you say to encourage others to volunteer and help carry on its legacy?

Gerald Turner: My hope is that some little boy or girl sitting in the stands watching the game will look out on that field and see themselves out there one day. I want that child to be inspired and motivated to work hard, pursue an education and maybe one day come back to Columbus to play in front of family, friends and the community that helped raise them.

We have young people right here in Columbus who have brothers, sisters, cousins and other family members participating in the Classic. That creates a special connection between the game and our community. The Fountain City Classic also gives these young athletes exposure and recognition. It's a game that receives attention beyond Columbus, and we want to continue building on that.

We know we're competing for attention with some of the biggest college football programs in Georgia, but we're doing everything we can to make the Fountain City Classic a special event that people look forward to every year.

I hope future generations will remember that this Classic was about opportunity, education, community pride and bringing people together. And I would encourage others to get involved because when you volunteer, you're doing more than helping put on a football game. You're helping create memories, open doors and build a legacy that can last for generations.

More Than a Game, A Legacy of Service

For Gerald Turner, the Fountain City Classic represents the power of giving back and the responsibility of helping others succeed.

His philosophy is a reminder that the true measure of success is not simply how high we climb, but how many people we help reach the top.

Through the dedication of volunteers like Turner, the Fountain City Classic continues to demonstrate that its greatest victories are not always measured on the scoreboard, but in the opportunities it creates for students, families and the entire Columbus community.