The aroma from barbecue grills cooking up a feast permeated the air on a beautiful Sunday, June 2, at Riverton Memorial Park, as family and friends of Cirè Forman celebrated her life.
“Cirè was an amazing athlete who played four sports – softball, basketball, soccer and football,” said her grandmother, Kay Vaughn of Palmyra. “In her senior year at Camden Catholic High School, she played defensive back on the football team.”
The star athlete and rising college student was killed on June 4 of last year in a Gloucester Township car accident.
“Her loss was devastating, and it still is. I cry every day,” said Vaughn, vice president of the Cirè A. Forman All 4 Sports Foundation, of Forman. “She was the center of our family. Everybody loved her.
“This event holds special significance as it is a celebration of her life, organized by her mother, Patricia Forman,” explained Vaughn, whose foundation provides funds for struggling families so their kids can play sports. “Patricia – in her resilience and love – chosed to commemorate her daughter’s life (near) the anniversary of her passing, turning a day of sorrow into an occasion of joy and togetherness.”
More than 100 people attended the second annual “Cirè A. Forman Day: A Celebration of Life, Sports and Community,” and there was plenty to do. Children enjoyed the swings and sliding boards, as well as sack races, flag football, kickball and other games. Music from large speakers kept the mood light.
“Cirè enjoyed playing all sports,” her grandmother relayed. “She was a great basketball player and started varsity all four years. She asked every year to play football, but every year her mom said no. Finally, in her senior year, she asked again, saying, ‘Let me be amazing.’ She made the team and played defensive back.”
Also an excellent student, Forman earned a basketball scholarship to Rowan College of Burlington County, but the season was canceled due to COVID.
“She was ready to attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick in August 2022, until the accident,” recalled Vaughn, adding that her granddaughter coached the undefeated Camden Catholic freshman basketball team in the winter of 2020-’21, helping them to a 16-0 record. She also played tackle football as a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Phantomz, a women’s tackle football team.
Following her death, Vaughn and other family members started the All 4 Sports Foundation to help single parents and two-parent households through grants that allow their children to play sports,” explained Vaughn, pointing out that the fee for some AAU traveling teams can be as high as $2,000.
The foundation will host its second annual free basketball camp for boys and girls ages 9 to 14 on July 27 and 28 at the Palmyra Community Center. Interested parents can register at [email protected]. It has also awarded grants to eight children for swim lessons, to the Build Jake’s Place/Camden County Miracle League for 25 people with disabilities to participate, and to four youngsters who will attend AJ Brown’s Football Camp in Haddonfield, also in July.
“This event today is a testament to the enduring spirit of Cirè and the love she shared with all who knew her,” Vaughn noted of the celebration honoring Forman. “It is a day of laughter, friendship, and remembrance.”
Donors can send a check to Cirè A. Forman All 4 Sports Foundation, 1208 Parry Ave., Cinnaminson, 08077, or go to www.cireaformanall4sportsfoundation.com.
