Westcliff University Teams With Special Forces Sports Foundation Brings Children of All Abilities Together for Sports Activities and Camaraderie
On Tuesday, March 21, Westcliff University partnered with the Special Forces Sports Foundation to bring together student-athletes of all abilities to celebrate movement and inclusive social interaction among youth and college athletes. The carnival-style event held at an athletic facility in Lake Forest, hosted more than 140 students with disabilities from Edison and Ocean View High School and 130 Westcliff student-athletes. A generous group of volunteers including Westcliff staff, students, alumni, and individuals from Unlimited Possibilities (a local non-profit) were also present to lend support.
All 300 people in attendance, including media representatives, were brought together for food, upbeat music, carnival games, raffles, and sports activities. Post-event, volunteers expressed how it was a delight to watch student-athletes at every station demonstrate shooting, goal-scoring, and even mastering a simulated wave using a blue tarp provided by the Westcliff Surf Team. For further entertainment, signed balls from Westcliff athletic teams and University merchandise, such as sweatshirts and water bottles were raffled off to participants.
The heartwarming day was full of laughter and positive energy as volunteers honored their core values of integrity, respect, and servant leadership – all while spreading these values to the younger athletes.
Joe Loomis, Special Programs Administrator at Edison High School, had positive reports from his students stating: “The parents and kids are still talking about the event and how great it was… one student even won a signed ball that they bring to school with them every day. “
We are immensely grateful for the generous support that made this event possible and cannot wait to continue offering memorable experiences for everyone in our community. Look out for a university-wide volunteer month in May for more opportunities to get involved!
Click here to view the Spectrum News clip and coverage received from Special Forces Sports Day. The pre-recorded segment was broadcasted 17 times over several days (between teasers and full segments). Featured in the clip are: Holiday Younger from Edison High School, Olivia Peno a Westcliff softball player, and Hunter Stocksick a Westcliff lacrosse player.
