Florida Student-Athletes Take Time Out for Climb for Cancer Sports Camp
Saturday, October 18, 2008 | General
When Ron and Dianne Farb founded the Climb for Cancer Foundation six years ago, they set out to raise money and produce events that would help “ease the pain and suffering of people affected by cancer.” The Climb for Cancer Sports Camp, held annually at the University of Florida, is one of those events. The CFC Sports Camp allows children diagnosed with cancer the chance to interact and participate in sporting events led by some of their favorite Gator student-athletes.
One of those student-athletes on hand was Gator softball pitcher Stacey Nelson, who enjoyed some quality one-on-one time with the kids.
“I just wanted to get involved,” Nelson said. “It's a great event. It's a great day for the kids and for us, just to come out and have fun.”
This year's camp, which was held on campus at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center and the Gator football practice fields, allowed children to participate in a number of athletic activities. The camp was made up of four sports venues which included football, basketball, volleyball and soccer. Both the children and student-athletes were able to enjoy themselves in activities ranging from pick-up basketball and volleyball games in the O'Dome, to soccer drills or a game of catch at the football practice fields.
Ron Farb, who spends his free time climbing some of the world's tallest peaks in order to raise money for cancer research, helped to oversee the day's activities.
“This is our third year doing this event and it's our way of giving back to these children,” Farb said. “We thought they would enjoy a special day out here where they can be normal kids and meet the student-athletes and just have a great time.”
Farb also gave kudos to the support of the Gator Nation.
“We have a great turn out and we're excited to have everyone here,” Farb said. “We have representation from almost all the Gator sports teams. I think we have over a hundred student-athletes here today. They always come through.”
Some of the student-athletes on hand included football players Percy Harvin and Kestahn Moore, softball player Francesca Enea, and baseball players Avery Barnes and Teddy Foster.
“It's great to get out here and see the kids and give back to the community,” Foster said. “Seeing guys like Percy out here, and some of the athletes that don't have a lot of free time with academic and athletic schedules, is great. It really feels good to give back.”
Climb for Cancer is a not-for-profit organization that has funded or created several programs which provide support to the patient and family, research grants, and given kids the opportunity to attend camps such as this one. For more information about Climb for Cancer and how you can help, visit www.cfc-foundation.org.
