Gators Partner with Climb for Cancer Foundation to Host Sports Camp
Saturday, September 27, 2014 | Softball
Athletic venues on the UF campus were full of activity on Saturday morning as Gator student-athletes played games with pediatric cancer patients.
Florida's annual Brandon Ling Memorial Sports Camp featured 80 children and numerous UF student-athletes, including the Gator Softball team. The student-athletes participated with the cancer-stricken children in basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer and volleyball.
The yearly event is part of the Goodwill Gators program through the Office of Student Life, and is coordinated with the Climb for Cancer Foundation.
Junior catcher Aubree Munro, who played soccer on Saturday, said that participating in the camp is a rewarding experience for student-athletes. She said she was grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community.
“It's great that we're able to get out and be with the kids,” Munro said. “A lot of them are going through harder things than what we have to do. We think we're really busy, but they have bigger concerns than we do. It's fun for us to get out here and try to give them a fun day.”
Sophomore Chelsea Herndon played volleyball and basketball at the camp, and said that her goal during the morning's activities was to help the children to have a positive experience.
“The main thing is having a good time with the kids,” she said. “Having fun out here can take their minds off of everything that's happening in their lives. It's a time for them to enjoy being here and for the athletes to bring joy to them by playing games and exercising.”
The defending national champion Gator Softball team will open its fall schedule next Sunday (Oct. 5), when Florida hosts St. Leo University. First pitch from Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium is set for 4 p.m. ET.
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