Terrapin Football Student-Athletes Volunteer at the Special Olympics, Camp Shriver
7/17/2007 8:00:00 AM | Football
July 17, 2007
POTOMAC, MD. - Following a successful year both on the playing field and in the classroom, Terrapin student-athletes have continued to exceed their record community service participation this summer by participating in a number of camps, most notably the Special Olympics, Camp Shriver.
The Special Olympics, Camp Shriver, founded in 1962, by Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, allows campers with intellectual disabilities to discover the opportunities and experiences of participating in a sports camp program. Special Olympics, Camp Shriver permits these campers to realize their potential, develop physical fitness and experience the joys and friendships that come from camp.
Joined by staff members of the Academic and Career Development Unit (ASCDU), nine Football student-athletes traveled to the Special Olympics, Camp Shriver in Potomac, MD, and had the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletic events designed to develop physical fitness and fundamental skills. The student-athletes led activities such as bocce ball, kick ball, duck-duck-goose, soccer and swimming, with both the campers and the athletes hailing the day as an outstanding success. "I wish that people all over America would try this..." said Mrs. Kennedy Shriver.
"My favorite part of the day was seeing the kids smile" said Football Junior, Michael Carter. "I wanted to be an inspiration in their lives even though it's a small part". This inspiration was achieved by participating in autograph sessions, question and answer sessions and eating lunch with the campers, which ensured that each camper had the opportunity to enjoy the experience of participating in a social and sports camp.
One of the most enjoyable moments of the day for the campers was having the opportunity to learn the Maryland Fight Song and partake in an hour long game of football with the Terrapin student-athletes. "My favorite part of the day was playing football with the campers", said Football Freshman Torrey Smith, "The kids seemed as happy as we were to be out there playing."
"We were very excited about having the athletes attend Camp Shriver" said Assistant Camp Director, Lindsay Slater, "The time they donated is greatly appreciated". A special thank you must go out to Terrapin student-athletes David Akatu, Torrey Smith, Stephen St. John, Michael Carter, Dane Randolph, Stephen Smalls and Brandon Jackson-Mills and the ASCDU staff for volunteering their time to the Special Olympics, Camp Shriver.
Maryland student-athletes are proud to show their support to such a worthwhile cause and look forward to participating in the future.
