With a cheerful attitude and enthusiasm, serviceSt. John’s University red storm On April 17th, members of the sports community shared their love of sports with local special needs students. queens, New York, Campus. 15th annual visit Community mayor for children with special needs It provided students with developmental and physical disabilities the opportunity to meet St. John’s student-athletes, play sports, explore campus, and most importantly, have fun.
The Brooklyn, New York-based nonprofit provides children with special needs access to sports and other activities tailored to their needs and abilities. The more than 300 children in attendance were assisted by approximately 100 St. John’s players and coaches as they progressed through a series of game areas, engaging in training demonstrations and playtime.
“At St. John’s, we value being a family. We are always together and we give back,” he said. Isabella TomeoRed Storm first-year goaltender women’s soccer team. “That’s what I love about football and this school.”
internal Belson StadiumIsabella and her teammates took groups of kids through various drills and took turns cheering them on as they tried to score goals.
A few yards away, Edited by David MasurAssociate Athletic Director and Head Coach men’s soccer The team welcomed the arriving children and teachers. Dr. Masur, a key member of the event organizing team, spoke about how important it is to continue the tradition and make the event even more fulfilling each year.
He emphasized how meaningful this event is to St. John’s student-athletes. “Our athletes are special people. They have a lot of energy for others,” he said. “They also have a lot of empathy and joy, vincentian It’s the spirit of helping others and wanting others to join in and be involved. ”
The act took place outdoors at Belson Stadium. jack keiser stadiumvisiting students received lessons from members of Red Storm baseball and men’s lacrosse team.internal Tuffner Field Housemembers of Men’s and women’s basketball with the team women’s volleyball Teams offered advice on the finer points of their sport.
The visiting teachers were happy to accompany the students on their athletic adventures. Kristin Slattery is a 6th and 7th grade special education teacher. P.53K School He said events like this, which took place in Sunset Park in Brooklyn, provide students with once-in-a-lifetime access to a Division I university’s athletic facilities.
“Being on a college campus and on a field like this is a dream come true for many,” Slattery said.
Carlos Caraballo, P.53K’s adaptive physical education teacher, said sports can have a transformative effect on special needs students, especially those who are shy. “Any sporting event we do has just come out of its shell,” Caraballo said.
Meanwhile, at Toughner, the sounds of basketball dribbling and volleyballs bouncing echoed through the fieldhouse. brady dunlapThe first-year forward on the boys basketball team talked about how special it was for him and his teammates. Zuby Ejiofor and sean conway Share your love of basketball with visiting students.
“This makes me realize how blessed I am and how much I want to give back to the community,” Brady said. “It brings so much joy to the lives of kids who love basketball as much as we do.”
Justin Tulithe head coach of the men’s lacrosse team, said the event was a perfect fit. Mission and values St. John’s. “This school is built around the foundation of providing opportunity for all, and then focusing on our core value of service,” Coach Tuli said. “I didn’t need to remind my peers how special the opportunities we have been given in life are.”
As director Tulli said, edgar ford, a sophomore defender from Melbourne, Australia, demonstrated the correct way to hold a lacrosse stick. “Service and community connection are part of our team’s values,” Edgar said.
Many visiting students were enthusiastic about taking swings and throwing from the mound with the baseball team.assistant coach John Valente St. John’s players said they got to know the visiting students while showing the passionate and fun side of baseball. “The energy these kids bring is incredible,” he said.
watch video The state of the event.