Eagles paired up with area students with disabilities recently for the second FGCU Winter Games, a day full of fun, team building and service-learning.
Service Ambassadors Alexis Butt and Lauren Morimanno developed and launched the program last year as a way to promote awareness that people with disabilities enjoy participating in many of the same activities as others.
While on campus, the 142 students from Lee and Collier County schools buddied up with FGCU volunteers who spent the day with them playing football, softball, kickball and soccer, dancing and doing arts and crafts. More than 220 Eagles pitched in at the games.
For some participants, the event proved to be a valuable learning experience as well as a personally satisfying day of connecting with other members of the community.
“The Winter Games was an amazing experience for me,” said volunteer Shannon Bailey. “Being a special education major, this has helped give me skills for working with individuals with special needs and given me the experience and validation that I chose the right career path.”
Volunteer Emma McCormack said, “I love being able to spend time with these children and getting to know them as individuals. I watched them shine through their disabilities, and my buddy even told me that it was one of the best days of her life. I was so happy to help and was really touched by the whole event.”
Student organizations and programs such as the Dancing Egals, Campus Rec and FGCU Athletics showed support for the FGCU Winter Games. Target, Costco, Pita Pit, Culver’s and other local businesses provided lunch and refreshments throughout the day.