Greetings Gators!

February 17, 2009

Our student athletes here at the University of Florida are not only dedicated to their sport(s), but also participate in many events that benefit children in the community each year. There are a handful of large University Athletic Association (UAA) events throughout the year, as well as regular weekly events.

One of the larger annual events includes a Field Day in April when elementary students have the opportunity to come to campus to play games with the athletes.

Another large event is “Climb for Cancer,” which occurs each October. Children and adolescents who either suffer from or have survived cancer come with their families to campus and literally play sports with our student athletes for “Climb for Cancer.” This past October, we had more than 100 athletes interacting with approximately 75 young people for a few hours in the morning, and the event was capped off with a pizza lunch.

Just before the December holiday break each year, student athletes and coaches participate in the “Gator Tracks” program. We gather monetary and/or shoe donations to provide a new pair of athletic shoes to needy elementary school children. This past fall, we brightened the holidays for 550 kids.

Our weekly events range from playing games and chatting with seriously ill patients in the Shands pediatric unit to visiting local elementary schools to read or play sports with the children.

UAA and the individual student athletes are proud to interact with and help brighten the lives of many children in our community each year.

Rew Woodruff
Life Skills Coordinator/Career
Counselor for UAA student athletes