Being accepted and included isn’t always easy for children with disabilities, and it’s even harder for them to participate in the every day activities that students partake in- sports being one of them. The football teams here at WWT decided to change that up a bit with our very own Victory Day.
Victory Day is a day in which cheerleaders and members of the football teams host an event for children with physical disabilities so that they can see what being on the team is like.
“We started off with 5 different football drills that each player participated in. Each varsity player mentored a ‘Victory Day’ participant. Then we finished the night off with each player scoring a touchdown against our starting defense. Each participant got to wear their player’s jersey for the night,” head Varsity Football coach, Michael Mahar, said.
The attendees were physically disabled students that partake in our school’s program. The students came from all over the county, bringing their family and friends to watch them have one of the best nights ever.
“The day was awesome and emotional. Both the Titan Football players and Victory Day players brought lots of energy to the event,” Mahar said. “One player’s dad sent our assistant coach a message that said we need to text him after our game on Saturday because his son felt like he prepared our team to win. Smiles were on every kid’s faces. One player, Derek Bellish, said he hadn’t slept three days leading up to the event. It was an emotional event for everyone involved.”
For junior Varsity Football player, Joe Hilliard, Victory Day was especially touching.
“My sister attended and it was emotional. Most students don’t get to experience these things- the lights, the tunnel, the crowd. My favorite part is seeing the kids come from a place where they’d be judged if they tried doing the things we do, to being on the field and being themselves. They showed a side you wouldn’t necessarily see from them,” Hilliard said.
Victory Day wasn’t just a super fun day for students with disabilities, but it was really eye-opening to the football team itself.
“It gave our players some perspective on life. Our players need to realize that it is only a game that we’re playing. Also, they need to see how blessed they are to be able to do the things that they can,” Mahar said.
The event was a huge success and everyone involved had a great time and a great experience. If you missed out this year, don’t worry; Mahar said that they plan on continuing the new tradition every year.
A special thanks to:
Head Varsity Coach- Mr. Mahar
Assistant Coach- Mr. Correll
All members of the Titan Touchdown Club, the Varsity and JV football teams and cheerleaders, and parents/friends that attended/helped with the event.
*For more pictures, check out our Victory Day slideshow or go to www.facebook.com/wwttitantouchdownclub*
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