CardsCare Hosts Special Spectators
September 26, 2013 | General
Sept. 26, 2013
During the Sept. 21 football game against FIU, the University of Louisville Athletic Department welcomed Special Spectators from Kosair Children's Hospital as part of CardsCare, the community outreach efforts of the athletic department.
UofL is one of many universities participating in the Special Spectators program which is a national organization that creates special days for seriously ill children at sporting events across the United States.
On Saturday, three children: Connor (7), Peyton (7) & Aniya (9), spent the day with the Cardinals. The special day involved throwing passes on the field, getting a "high five" from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, presenting the game ball and walking out with the captains for the coin flip. The children also met the Cardinal Bird, hung out with the Ladybirds, got a special behind the scenes tour of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium and enjoyed the game VIP-style in a suite provided by the Cardinal Athletic Fund. The Special Spectators ended their day meeting head coach Charlie Strong.
"It was great that the Special Spectators were able to attend our game," said Strong. "It means a lot to me and our football program to have the kids be a part of our team. I tell our players all the time how we have to be thankful for what we have and how lucky they are to be able to play football and receive their education. It was great to have the kids there and hope we can get them out to another game at some point."
Special Spectators is one of the many organizations UofL student-athletes have worked with in the community. Louisville student athletes participate in over 4,500 hours of CardsCare service each year.
