On a sun splashed late September Saturday, St. John’s University brightened the days of children with disabilities even more!
At Eisenhower Park for six weeks in the spring and the fall, “A League of Yes” provides the opportunity for children with disabilities to play ball and on September . St. John’s athletes and non-athlete students offered their time to help make the ball-playing experience last Saturday even better!
Touting its 147 year tradition, St. John’s President Dr. Bobby Gempesaw said that for the student-athletes that took time off the baseball diamond or racetrack, “this is one day where our student-athletes share their skills and values that they have to inspire the community “. Dr. Gempesaw also added, that after serving the community the athletes themselves head back to the field inspired.
One of those inspired is St. John’s senior and sports management major, Jazmin. She is also a track runner for the Red Storm and has volunteered at the League of Yes for her fourth straight year. When asked about her experience she said, “it’s nice to encourage and even teach these kids to throw the ball and kick the ball. It puts a smile on my face.”
Athletes were not the only aspect of the St. John’s community represented, Greek life was on Photos by Dan Miller and Alex Garrett/DMD IMAGEShand as well. Pi Kappa Phi brother and senior John Kirk called it a wonderful opportunity for the kids and the athletes participating. Kirk, who resides in Queens, has been attending the event the last two years and he’s enjoyed the opportunity to watch the disabled children be themselves on the diamond.
Melissa, a parent of one of the youths participating in The League of YES has an eight year old son Benjamin Butt, a student at Henry Viscardi School for children with disabilities.
“My son wanted to play ball, but with cerebral palsy it was hat to find any program in which my son can participate. Today the League of YES and St. John’s volunteers made it possible for young Benjamin to feel special and play ball with more than 100 SJU students cheering Benjamin on when he took his turn at bat,” his mother said.
Story courtesy of: http://www.qgazette.com/news/2017-09-27/Front_Page/St_Johns_Student_Gives_Day_Of_Service.html
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