Tuesday, May 2nd, 2007 is one of those days that will forever be imbedded in my mind! It was the final day of a program that Coach Cain Quiroz developed this semester called "Breakfast Buddies". Cain did a TERRIFIC job setting up a great program that literally changed the lives of many elementary school kids as well as many college student-athletes.
Breakfast Buddies is a reading program that partnered DWU Men's and Women's Soccer Players with elementary school kids from L.B. Williams Elementary in Mitchell, SD. Each week, either on Monday and Friday, the soccer players partnered up with their elementary aged child over breakfast for a little reading. The purpose of the program is to make reading fun for the children.
It was very successful.
On Tuesday, it was the finally for the 2006-2007 school year since finals are this week. We all showed up to meet with our Breakfast Buddies for the last time this year. There were many great memories as we passed out DWU T-Shirts and had a group picture. We then spent a great deal of time signing "autographs" on the children's new T-Shirts. The memories were incredible for the children. But, the best memories are those that the players and coaches will cherish forever. I will never forget the following memories....
- Watching Philip Lokiru, from Sudan, receive a gift from his small blonde headed "Breakfast Buddy". The package was decorated by the young child with personal drawings of soccer balls, his name and a large bow. Philip didn't know how to react to receiving a gift. He opened it to find a Beanie Bear with a soccer ball. I think Philip was a bit embarassed...but I know that he has that Beanie Bear sitting on his shelf as we speak.
- Seeing the disappointment on a little boys' face because his Breakfast Buddy, who had been with him all semester...could not be there due to work. And then seeing his face when a coach told him, "It's okay...you can be my partner today!" The boys smile was unforgettable.
- Seeing the older student athletes and the children act like they were brothers and sisters during the picture taking was priceless.
The program will get bigger and better next year beginning week one. But the memories from this year will always be etched in my mind. Thanks guys!
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