12/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | SAAS
Dec. 11, 2008
LAS VEGAS - On December 4th, UNLV Athletics hosted another successful Santa Clothes program. Teaming up with the Rotary Club of Las Vegas, student-athletes and athletic staff welcomed 275 children to UNLV for a special day. The Santa Clothes program impacts children from various local agencies, including Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the YMCA.
Santa Clothes 2008 Photo Gallery
First, Rotary Club volunteers took the children on a shopping spree at JC Penney in Boulevard Mall to purchase winter clothes, made possible by donations. Afterwards, the children came to UNLV for some activities, lunch, and an inspirational speech. Children were greeted on UNLV's football practice facilities by over 50 student-athletes from every team and several coaches. UNLV Athletics' strength and conditioning, athletic training, and athletic equipment offices all contributed staff or necessary equipment to make the event possible.
Student-athletes led six different activity stations on the fields: soccer, volleyball, freeze tag, wiffle ball, football, and cheer/dance. The children rotated through the stations to play multiple games and meet all of the student-athlete volunteers. Following the outdoor fun, the children paraded into the Lied Auditorium for a donated pizza lunch.
First year Head Coach Kathy Olivier and senior Shamela Hampton from the Women's Basketball team addressed the excited crowd. Coach Olivier and Hampton spoke about the importance of listening, setting goals, and believing in one's self to achieve dreams. Hampton told the children about her struggle to succeed when she was in sixth grade. Before leaving campus, the children each received their choice of a basketball, football, soccer ball, or multipurpose ball as a gift to take home.
UNLV student-athletes participate in various community outreach events throughout the year, including Nevada Reading Week in the Spring semester.
