April 24, 2012
STANFORD, Calif. -- On one of the first true summer days of the year, more than 50 student-athletes from 11 teams came together to lead the 2012 Cardinal Field day for youth from Stanford Athletics' community partner organizations.
Kids from Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula, Shelter Networks and Special Olympics came out to The Farm to take part in a day of fun and learning. The groups rotated through four sport-specific stations where student-athletes taught skills, games and, most importantly, what it takes to be a champion on and off the field.
"We really focused on sharing the importance of teamwork, respect and hard work while having a great time playing games with the kids," said senior synchronized swimmer Koko Urata, a member of the Cardinal Council committee. "It's great for the student-athletes to get the opportunity to share all we learn being on a team at Stanford with these kids who are so excited to be here."
Stations included soccer, football, basketball and track, and incorporated a variety of activities to promote physical fitness while giving the youth exposure to different team sports.
"I think the kids all really loved the getting to hit the crash pads in the football station and do some of the drills," said junior football player David Yankey. "It was awesome for the football players to get to see that energy and get to know some of the kids who came out. It really shows how much of an impact such a short time can have!"
Field Day was the final Cardinal for Community (C4C) event of the year for Stanford Athletics. The program launched in August 2011 and has since completed eight projects involving over 150 athletes from 15 teams. For more information on the other projects, visit www.gostanford.com/community.
Community Partners:
Shelter Network (www.shelternetwork.org)
Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula (www.bgcp.org)
Special Olympics (www.sonc.org)